Relay For Life kicks off this weekend
By Diana Royal dianar@thetruecitizen.com

It's been a decade since Burke County's first Relay For Life - but participants are just as determined to keep the money for cancer research rolling in.

Festivities for the 10-year celebration begin this Friday, May 2, at the Burke County Recreation Department soccer fields located behind Citizens Park Gymnasium. Survivor registration will begin at 6 p.m. After opening ceremonies at 7, survivors will take the first Relay lap, and then they'll be joined by their caregivers, followed by team introductions.

Participating teams will have campsites set up along the track, offering up food items and activities for the entire family. Live entertainment has been planned for the evening as well, and DJ Donna Barlow will be on hand for the event's durations to keep the crowd motivated.

The popular "Jail and Bail" will return again this year - and anyone with a dollar can put someone behind bars. They'll then have to raise their bail to get out.

This year's luminary and torch ceremony will feature a solo performed by Sharon Carter and will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m.

Luminaries may still be purchased by calling Tammy Bohm at 706-437-8779 and will also be available Relay night.

A reflection tent will also be set up to remember those who lost the battle against cancer. A special tribute to them, as well as survivors and everyone who has participated in Burke's Relay over the past 10 years, will be made.

So far this year, Relayers have raised nearly $40,000 of the $82,000 goal. Anyone wishing to make a donation, or for any other information, should contact Jackie Eskew, Relay chairman, at 706-466- 0667.

WALKER WHENS

Friday
8 a.m. - Field opens; teams can begin campsite setup
6 p.m. - Survivor registration (survivors' tent), luminary sales, arrest
warrant sales for 'Jail and Bail'
6:30 p.m. - Team photos; BCHS band performs
7 p.m. - Opening ceremony
7:15 p.m. - Beginning laps - survivors, caregivers, teams
7:45 p.m. - Burke County Middle School chorus
8 p.m. - Quicksteps School of Dance
8:25 p.m. - St. Mary's Baptist Church 'Angels of Love' praise team
8:45 p.m. - Burke County High School color guard
9:30 p.m. - Luminary and torch ceremony, Sharon Carter solo
10 p.m. - Boys of Deliverance step team
10:15 p.m. - Christian Steppers
10:30 p.m. - Talent show/dance contest
11:30 p.m. - games
Saturday
5 a.m. - Final lap
5:30 a.m. - 'Fight Back' ceremony, awards and recognition
noon - site closes