Jun 12, 2014


The 2014 North and Central Frontenac Relay for Life in Parham June 20

Lesley Merrigan, the chair of the annual North and Central Frontenac Relay for Life, which will be taking place at the Parham fairgrounds on Friday, June 20, has been busy with her team of volunteers getting all of their ducks in a row for what will be seventh installment in Parham of the Canadian Cancer Society's (CCS) biggest annual fundraiser.

The Relay starts with a special survivors' dinner at 5:30pm. Merrigan defines a survivor as “anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis, no matter where they happen to be on their personal journey through it.” She is encouraging all survivors to either register the day of the event, or simply show up, and whether they choose to walk the track later or not, they are more than welcome to enjoy the delicious dinner.

The opening ceremonies will take place at 6:45 pm, and numerous dignitaries and representatives from the CCS will be speaking. Merrigan will be speaking at that time on behalf of her 13-member leadership team, who have been working hard for months leading up to the event. In her opinion one of the most moving parts of the Relay takes place at its start with a speech by a local cancer survivor (yet to be named), followed by the Survivor Victory Lap where members of the local community who have survived a cancer diagnosis will lap the track.

Equally memorable will be the luminary ceremony, a time for quiet, meditative reflection that will begin at 9:30pm with the lighting of hundreds of luminaries, each purchased in memory of loved ones who have succumbed to the disease. At 10pm luminary chair Lyann Smith will be speaking about why the Relay for Life runs through the night, and how it is a metaphor for the personal journey each individual takes after experiencing a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

While the event can bring forth many strong emotions, the relay's long-time motto of “Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back” leaves loads of room for community fun, friendship and celebration. In that vein Merrigan and her team have enlisted an impressive line up of local musical talent all generously donating their time and talent to perform throughout the relay. Popular local country/rocker Shawn McCullough will open the entertainment at 7pm. He will be performing a song titled “Fight”, which he penned and recently recorded specially for this year’s relay. The song tells of his own father’s battle with cancer and Shawn will be joined by his brother David on stage. Singles of the song will be for sale with proceeds going to the CCS. Other entertainers will include Bauder Road, the Mike Lush Band, Feral 5, One Busted Ego, and local young rockers HD Supply. Brothers Jim and Pete MacPherson will be leading an open mike event with their All Night All Star Stag Band & Friends. Other activities will include karaoke, bingo, a Zumba class, a sunrise yodel, a pudding toss, and an early morning breakfast served up by members of the Central Frontenac Fire Department.

So far 18 teams totaling 150 participants are registered and Merrigan said she is hoping to see more participants sign up before the June 19 deadline. Individuals still wanting to take part must have a minimum of $100 in sponsorship and can join by contacting Christine Teal at 613-375-6525.

Whether they participate or not, Merrigan is also inviting everyone from the community to just come and have fun at the relay since it is a great opportunity to “enjoy the entertainment while supporting those members of the community who are participating.” She paid special thanks to “the amazing group of people, the teams, the leadership chairs, the business sponsors and all of the volunteers who are so dedicated to making the event such a memorable and successful one for the entire community.”

 

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