CALIFORNIA - By now, residents of California should see purple all over the town in forms of window decorations at local businesses to support Relay for Life. The 5K Superheros run/walk last Saturday kicked off the 15th annual Relay for Life of Moniteau County, a week-long event that includes the window decorating contest and ending with an all-night family event at the Moniteau County Fair Grounds.
The judging will begin on Thursday and the winner will be announced during the opening ceremonies at the relay.
From 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., families are encouraged to take part in games, pony rides, a silent auction, music and much more to honor people who have or had cancer. At 10 p.m., there will be a luminaria ceremony. White paper bags will line the track with a name of someone who has or had cancer.
For people who have the event flyer, it can be brought to the entrance of Centennial Hall for one complimentary luminaria. That is available from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday.
To kick off Opening ceremonies, Diane Eulinger, a caregiver, will speak, then the a survivors and caregivers lap.
"I genuinely love this event and this town," said Emily Beydler, Community Manager for Relay for Life. " Relay For Life of Moniteau County is truly a magical experience. We have such a dedicated group of volunteers organizing, raising funds for, and executing this event, and I can't wait to see how it all comes together on Friday night."
As of Monday, June 8, 12 teams and 120 participants have resided $41,739.95 for this year's Relay For Life. Beydler anticipates approximately $60,000 by the time the event is over.
"Cancer is such an ugly disease, but when a community like Moniteau County comes together to fight back against it, it is a beautiful sight to behold," Beydler said.
For questions contact Jenny Brown at (573)338-0295 and Kara Korte at (573)645-4852. For more information visit www.RelayforLife.org/moniteaucomo.
The following is the itinerary for Friday night:
5:30 p.m. Survivor registration begins silent auction opens - in front of Centennial Hall;
6 p.m. Opening ceremony (grandstands) Presentation of Flags, National Anthem, Invocation Survivor/Caregiver Speaker, Survivor Lap, Caregiver Lap, Survivor and Caregiver pictures and reception - Centennial Hall;
7 p.m. Introduction of Little Mr. & Miss Relay contestants;
8 p.m. Minute to Win it game (crowd participation);
8:45 p.m. Minute to Win it game (crowd participation);
9 p.m. Luminaria sales and silent auction closes;
9:15 p.m. Minute to Win it game (crowd participation);
9:30 p.m. Luminaria ceremony;
11 p.m. parade of teams;
11:30 p.m. Toilet Paper Fashion Show/Caffeine Bar;
Midnight Spirit of Relay Ceremony, recognition of sponsors, committee members, recognition of $1000 individual fundraisers 1:30 a.m. Last lap, closing ceremony;
Colossal Sounds at main stage all night;
Other games/entertainment: Car bash, pony rides, face painting, bounce house and variety of other games at tent sites.