“Viva Las Relay”

by Terri A. Barta

“Viva Las Relay” is the theme for the 10th Anniversary of Ransom County Relay For Life. This event will be held from 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 13 through to 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 14 at the Lisbon Track Complex.

The goal this year is to raise $50,000 to present to the American Cancer Society for the fight against cancer.

Although there are 17 teams already registered, it is not too late to add a team. Get together 8-10 people, choose a fun name for the team, and register with Jani Fluto or call her at 701-678-3443.    This year’s Honorary Chair is Kris Long, a survivor of cancer.  Heather Sagvold is the event chair. The survivorship chair is the Girl Scout Troop 30549. The entertainment chair is Michele Sagvold. The Luminaria Chair is Sharon Kudelka. Accounting chair is Paulette Laudert.

This 12-hour event is an inspiring night of hope for cancer survivors and their caregivers and relatives and friends. The teams raise money doing projects both before the actual event and the night of the event. 

All proceeds go towards the goal of raising $50,000 to fight cancer.

Teams will start selling food early this year beginning at 5:30 p.m  Items which are on the menu as of presstime are: walking tacos, BBQ pork sandwiches, taco salads, loaded nachos, chicken on a stick, pies, bars, snow cones, and all types of hot and cold drinks. Bring the family for supper in a carnival-like atmosphere. Entertainment will be provided throughout the night.

Survivors are treated like royalty throughout the evening Each  cancer survivor is given a special Relay For Life T-shirt, a meal, and a place to meet socially. Door prizes are presented as names are drawn. The teams will perform for the survivors this year to compete for the Survivor’s Choice Award.

The Opening Ceremony begins at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Survivors Lap, Caregivers Lap, and Team Lap. The Celebrity Impersonator Contest will begin at 8:00 p.m., with the Luminaria Ceremony to start at dusk.

The Luminaria Ceremony is a sight to behold in itself. Luminary bags can be purchased at Cornerstone Bank, Innovis Health Clinic, Family Medical Clinic and from the various teams. For a $5 donation people can honor a survivor or memorialize someone who has died fighting cancer. The name of the person is written on the bag and the bag may be decorated. At dusk the bags, which are filled with sand and candles, are lined around the track and lit. The names of all of those on the bags are read and a moment of silence is held in remembrance.

The public often goes home after the luminaria ceremony and the team members keep vigil by walking the track. They also keep awake by participating in team games all night long.

The closing ceremony begins at 6:30 a.m.  Everyone is welcome to come walk the final lap with the teams at that time.