Photo by Kris Todd [Order this photo]

The 11th annual Clay County Relay for Life event is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 21 and take place on Dale Norton field at Spencer High School until 6 a.m. Sunday, June 22. This year's event, which carries the "Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back." theme, will also incorporate a Mardi Gras-related atmosphere.

"Since cancer never sleeps," Suzi Harper, Clay County's publicity chairperson, said of the upcoming overnight event, "(this will definitely have) something for everybody to rally around."

Following the kickoff, when cancer survivors walk a first lap around the track, a 5 - 7 p.m. community barbecue featuring members of the Clay County Cattlemen grilling will occur.

Games and activities, including the ever popular lap poker, are planned for all ages to participate in. An educational tent with games will also be featured, as will lots of giveaways throughout the overnight event.

This year's Mardi Gras theme will also have participants celebrating, as well as honoring, as they sport beads.

While the goal of organizers is to raise $50,000 this year for research and for the fight against cancer, $5,000 more than what was raised locally in 2007, 13 teams have already signed up to participate.

"We're always looking for more teams," Harper said. "Families, friends, anybody can make up a team. It's never too late."

This year's event will also feature a Saturday evening silent auction orchestrated by the Krile's Drivers Relay team. Final silent auction winners are slated to be announced prior to the evening's lighting of luminarias lining the track.

"This is one special event we do for survivors and anybody else affected by cancer in Clay County," Harper said of the luminaria lighting, scheduled to take place near dusk.

The luminaria bags, which are to be decorated in honor of those individuals currently battling cancer, survivors of cancer or in honor of those who have succumbed to the disease, may be picked up at Spencer City Hall, Farmers Bank, Abben Cancer Center or Sisters Cafe prior to this summer's Clay County Relay for Life event. Once decorated with special personal touches, they may be dropped off at the same sites by Wednesday, June 18.

"We'd like to encourage you to come at any time this year," Harper said. "Whenever works for you would be great."

* More information on this June 21-22 event may be received from Chairperson Amy Simpson, 580-3833, or from Harper, 262-5994. Additional information on the 2008 Clay County Relay for Life event may be obtained from Survivor Chairperson Angie Heikens, Team Recruitment Chairperson Michelle Yeager or Luminarias Chairperson Marcia Nemmers.