| Jun 11, 2009


Back to HomeFeature Article - June 11, 2009 Get Ready, Get Set, Go: Sharbot Lake Relay For Life

It's happening this Friday, June 12 at Parham Ball Park. The planning is over and the setup will begin on Friday morning to prepare for over 26 teams of 10 people each who will park a camper or tent on the grounds to use as a home base for their team. Many arrive between 3 and 6pm to prepare for a night of celebration and remembering.  

Each team has pledged $1000 as their effort to fight back against cancer. 

After the tents are up and old friendships renewed, the activities start. At 7 p.m. a welcome address by chairwoman Claire MacFarlane will emphasize how important individuals are to the fight against cancer. Following this the cancer Survivors, who have been celebrating their good fortune with friendly conversation and food, will parade around the infield to show you proof that your donation has helped. Cancer can be beaten. The Relay is on.

The teams will pause for pictures during their ceremonial march around the track, then break into a marathon, relaying the batons from member to member amongst the teams. All teams will have at least one member on the track all night long but their buddies won't be bored. Music will keep them excited. Shawn McCullough & Friends, Red Rose Express, Legion Boys, Anne Banks and Joe's Band will play and sing throughout the night. If they are not good enough team members will show them how in the Karaoke competition or in the dance contest. 

At 10 p.m. the Relay will pause for a Time to Remember. It's the hour of the Luminaries Ceremony. Last year over 600 lighted candles in sand-filled paper bags placed around the track inspired the walkers to marshal on throughout the night. 

Walkers will not be weak from hunger! Anne Howes and her crew will cook hamburgers and other food for them and when the blackness of the night wanes, the Fire Station 3 volunteers will cook each participant a pancake breakfast with real maple syrup.  

With renewed energy the participants will gather with their team mates for a final lap before they assemble around the stage for the closing ceremonies, the awarding of prizes, and announcing of the grand total of money raised to fight cancer. 

The public is welcome to visit for the Opening Ceremonies at 7 pm, the Luminaries at 10pm and the closing ceremonies at 7 am.

Celebrate, Remember, Fight back, this Friday June 12 at Parham. Purchase a luminary at the Royal Bank in Sharbot Lake, pledge a participant, join the Survivors' Victory lap. 

Go to: http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFL_ON_SharbotLake_?pg=entry&fr_id=3382

For information contact Claire MacFarlane 613-279-1133.

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