Good Times for a Great Cause - Relay For Life of Ritzville

Walkers from all corners of Eastern Adams County will take time out of their busy schedules this weekend to go around the clock in the battle against cancer during the 2011 Relay For Life of Ritzville.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a unique fundraising event that allows participants from all walks of life – from patients and medical support staff to corporations, civic organizations, churches and community volunteers – to join together to fight cancer.

The entire event – from 6 p.m. on Friday to 9 a.m. on Saturday – is packed with games, activities, food and entertainment for one and all to enjoy.

Relay For Life, a team event where participants walk around the track relay style, was created as a 24-hour event to represent that cancer never sleeps.

Relays that last less than 24 hours, usually 12 to 18 hours, must still be overnight.

The event is a chance to celebrate those who have beaten cancer, remember those who have lost the battle and fight back for those who are battling cancer.

It’s a time to remember that progress has been made in the fight against cancer and that everyone who participates is making a difference.

The overnight event features an all-night campout where team members take strides around the track, eat and play games. The event kicks off this Friday evening at the Ritzville High School track.

The registration table opens at 5 p.m. for teams to check in. At the same time, the silent auction opens and will continue until 9 p.m.

Survivors’ Dinner

A special dinner for cancer survivors and a guest will begin at 7 p.m. in Gilson Gym. In celebration of their victory over cancer, survivors will receive a free event t-shirt and balloon, which will be released during the Cancer Survivors’ Lap.

The dinner will remain open so that survivors and their guests may take part in the Survivor Ceremony prior to the dinner.

Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony at 6 p.m. will feature recognition of event sponsors and a triumphant beginning for this year’s event.

During the ceremony, Chris Bowman will sing the National Anthem and Mark Hickey will provide live music.

Relay For Life of Ritzville opens as cancer survivors – anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer – release their balloons before taking their victory lap around the track to the sound of a starter’s gun.

The special Survivors’ Lap is a moving experience honoring those who have defeated cancer. Survivors will join together to take Relay’s opening lap, unified in victory and hope, while the rest of the event’s participants surround the track to cheer them on.

Anyone may participate in the Survivors’ Lap, even if they haven’t registered.

This is an emotional time and sets the stage for the importance of each participant’s contribution. The track area takes on a festive air as friends, family, community members and team members cheer on the survivors.

All participating teams will converge on the track following the Survivors’ Lap for the Parade of Teams where team members ‘strut their stuff’ around the track. Most teams make the most of this portion of the event and dress for the occasion, either in tune with the Relay theme or their own.

Luminaria Ceremony

The Luminaria Ceremony is a highlight of the evening. Held after dark, the ceremony honors cancer survivors and remembers those who have lost the battle against cancer.

Individuals or companies may make contributions in memory of those who have lost their fight with cancer and in honor of those who have survived.

Each will be recognized by a lighted luminary. The luminaries line the track and are left burning throughout the night as a visual reminder of how many are affected by cancer and the importance of each person’s contributions.

“Miss”Ter Relay

A lighthearted tradition for the Ritzville event is the “Miss”Ter Relay contest beginning at 11:30 p.m. Teams are asked to have at least one teammate participate in the event.

The fundraiser features male members of each team dressed in ‘drag.’ Each will have a half-hour to solicit donations from one and all at the track.

In the end, the one who collects the most in donations will be crowned the 2011 “Miss”Ter Relay.

Examples of costumes include dresses with jewelry and wigs to match, Macho Marilyn Monroe, the Doublemint Twins, etc.

Activities and Food

Rounding out the event is a full roster of top-notch games and activities as well as themed laps, music and tasty eats.

A special lap will highlight the event every hour from 7 p.m. Friday night to 8 a.m. Saturday morning. In addition to the Crazy Hat lap and rounds of poker, laps set for each hour highlight a form of cancer by its designated color. The full list of laps is included in this special pullout section.

Live entertainment adds to the upbeat atmosphere of Relay. Kicking off the entertainment lineup are a unicyclist, clowns, magician and midway games.

Local musician Ben Malby will perform at 9 p.m. while Mark Hickey will return with his music at midnight.

Topping the list of musical offerings is Laffin’ Bones, a Ritzville Blues Fest veteran, performing from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday.

At 8 p.m. on Friday, one and all are invited to take part in the Signature Round-up or the Cake Walk. After midnight, a pizza party will fill everyone’s stomach at 12:30 a.m. followed by bingo at 1 a.m.

An hour later, everyone will want to take part in a rousing search as the scavenger hunt begins.

Two poker laps are planned at 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. At 5 a.m., a Minute to Win It Lap is planned with a lap featuring tasteful PJs at 6 a.m.

A round of Frisbee will wake up dozing walkers at 6 a.m. as will breakfast by the Washtucna-Benge-Hooper Lions Club beginning at 6:30 a.m.

Awards and Closing Ceremonies

Top teams and participants are recognized during an awards ceremony at 8 a.m. The list of team awards includes most creative fundraiser, best bed head, person who went above and beyond, best decorated campsite, most walked miles, best team spirit and team with the most money raised.

Organizers encourage residents in the area to be understanding and remember that participants camp out, enjoy music, entertainment and food all night while building team spirit to help in the fight against cancer.