By Erin Smith
The Elizabethtown Middle School football field will be the site of the Bladen County Relay for Life event on Saturday, May 7, from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Event co-chairs Mandy Padrick and Jessica Inman said the event committee is excited about this year’s event. The opening ceremony is planned for 6 p.m. followed by the survivors lap at 6:30 p.m. The luminary ceremony is scheduled for 9 p.m.
There will also be a bikers lap and there will be classic cars making an appearance as well. Patrick there will be live entertainment throughout the event. Inman said there will be performances by individuals as well as the groups Leap of Faith and Crosstalk.
At noon on Saturday, there will be a High Noon Worship Service lead by Rev. Nathan Morton of Elizabethtown Baptist Church.
Inman said kids activities will begin at 2 p.m. and survivor registration will begin at 4:30 p.m.
The event has moved to a 12-hour format compared to the grueling 24-hour format and Inman said the schedule change is good.
“I think everyone loves it (the schedule change). Last year there was a good turnout,” said Inman.
She said the event helps to raise awareness of the impact of cancer on individual lives.
“The event brings awareness to people who are not aware of the American Cancer Society,” said Inman.
Both Inman and Padrick said that almost everyone has had their life touched by cancer either through a friend, a family member or co-worker who has been impacted by cancer.
“I think everyone in Bladen County is affected by cancer in some way, whether it is a family member or themselves,” said Padrick.
The event raised $110,000 last year and both Inman and Padrick said the goal for this year’s event is to raise $115,000.
Other activities planned for the Relay for Life event include a quilt raffle, some baskets, and there will be booths with food for purchase throughout the day.
Inman said there is still time to register a team and come out and support Really for Life. She added that those who have not yet purchased luminaries, can do so on Saturday.
Don’t forget, the awards ceremony will begin at 10:30 p.m.
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