Daily Reporter Staff

When dealing with the topic of cancer, there's often little joy to be found, but this weekends Clay County Relay for Life celebration, featuring a festive Mardi Gras theme, will allow walkers a little fun in the sun.

The Relay will begin this year with opening ceremonies at 4 p.m., Saturday, June 21 at Dale Norton Field on the Spencer High School campus. It will conclude at the same spot at 6 a.m. Sunday with special closing ceremonies.

In between, participants and viewers will have plenty to do as well.

The American Cancer Society Clay County chapter of Relay for Life will be hosting the event. Last year the Clay County chapter raised $42,000, this year a specific goal was not set for the event.

"The survivors lap, which is normally the first lap of the night, will be at 7 p.m. instead of 4 p.m. this year to let the survivors enjoy the meal and the coolness of the night during their lap, it was suggested to us so we decided to go ahead and try it again. We are always looking for ways to improve the event for the survivors," said publicity chair Suzi Harper.

In addition to the survivors lap, there will be a number of other theme laps throughout the night, such as a "Looney lap" where people can dress up in cowboy or cowgirl gear, a "Mardi Gras lap" to go along with the main theme this year, as well as a hat lap, a backwards lap, favorite Iowa team lap, favorite sports team lap, pajama lap, patriotic lap and the pink or purple lap to show support for the cause. The themed laps will continue throughout the night and into the early morning hours Sunday.

"To help celebrate the theme this year we will have a table set up where people can decorate their own Mardi Gras mask to where during the Mardi Gras lap," Harper said.

The traditionally moving and emotional luminaria ceremony will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. Weighted and decorated bags, glowing with lit candles w iluminate the track as well as the "visitors" seating section.

"The reason for the luminaria ceremony is to honor people who are fighting cancer, those who have beaten it, but also to remember those who lost the battle," said Harper. "Its such a solemn ceremony where we try to put a name to cancer and create a touching and moving experience."

Harper is hopeful that the event will benefit from good weather and strong attendance. "We encourage everyone to come out and help us celebrate, remember and fight back."

"Why We Relay"

Quotes from various people throughout the community:

"I Relay in honor of my family and friends who bravely fight cancer every day, and in memory of those who have sadly lost the battle. My passion comes from them!" -- Amy Simpson

"I do it for my brother who died of lung cancer. Every time I walk around the track I think of him. " -- Charlene Lighter

"We started to preserve my husband's memory and to help other people fight the battle." -- Louise Simpson

"I Relay because it's the least I can do for family and friends." -- Richard Carlson

"We walk at the Relay For Life to honor all cancer victims and to offer hope and encouragement in their journey." -- The Krile's Drivers Team

"I Relay in the hope that someday my daughter will not hear the words "You have Cancer". -- Dana Kauffman

"I Relay in the hope that one day cancer will be a disease of the past, so that families will not have to endure the long battle known as cancer." -- Suzi Harper

"I Relay because I am a survivor and want to be an encouragement to others." -- Bob Krile

"We all Relay for the same reason… cancer has touched our life in some way… We celebrate those who are fighting the fight and those who have been victorious in their fight and remember those we have lost" -- Anonymous

"I am in Relay for Life because so many people are touched by cancer and I have faith that a cure will be found. " -- Carol McQueen

"We are in Relay For Life because we believe check-ups for early detection are keys to living longer with cancer. " -- Bob and Sharon Krile

"Why not Relay?" -- Jaime Hynes