By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
“Last year at the Aroostook Relay for Life we exceeded our goal, raising nearly $147,000 for the American Cancer Society,” said Miles ‘Rick’ Williams of Caribou, a member of the Aroostook County Relay for Life steering committee. A total of 66 teams participated in the 2010 event.
Friday, June 4, opening ceremonies for the 17th Aroostook County Relay for Life will begin at 6 p.m. For the second consecutive year, the event will take place on the track at the Caribou High School. “We really appreciate the fact that we are allowed to use the track facility at Caribou High School. The track provides a comfortable, safe place for our teams to walk their laps and the lighting is a another big plus, as the teams walk continuously through the night,” stated Williams.
“Last year we were the top relay event in the Northeast. The Aroostook County Relay for Life was number one in both the growth of the event and in funds raised,” said Williams. “This was amazing as there were more than 280 other relay events in the Northeast during the same time.”
On Friday, June 4, following the opening ceremonies, the Survivor Recognition Lap will take place at 6:15 p.m. At this time cancer survivors/caretakers walk one lap around the track, proving once again their strength in fighting back in the face of cancer.
At 10 p.m. the Luminary Ceremony is held — something that will humble even the toughest of individuals. It is a sight like no other, as the small white bags, each lit by a single candle, reflect the names and messages written on them, in memory of family members and friends who lost their battle against cancer. Try to imagine (and unless you have witnessed it, your vision is bound to fall short) total darkness surrounding you, then as your eyes grow accustom to the darkness, the flickering candles light up the oval track, seemingly offering calm words of assurance and comfort to both those who observe and those who are no longer with us. During this ceremony, names of those who lost their battle with cancer are read.
During the Relay for Life, members of each team walk the track, each hour unfolding a different theme to keep things lively. “Last year we had a wedding theme and several participants walked for an hour in old wedding dresses,” said Williams. “We have a different theme for each hour all through the night, walkers don’t have to be involved but it does keep things interesting.” One team member must be walking on the track at all times.
There are many activities going on throughout the event, including a barbecue, sponsored by the Cary Medical Center, prior to the opening ceremony. Other food items and beverages, as well as raffles and children’s activities are available. “There are no commercial vendors allowed at this location,” stressed Williams, “all items sold, including food, are brought in by the different teams and funds raised go to the Relay for Life.”
“I welcome the public with open arms to at least stop by, maybe walk a lap with some of the teams and I highly encourage cancer survivors to register and be recognized during the Survivor Lap.”
Williams said that are estimating that 2,000 people (including participants) will be in attendance at the 2011 Relay for Life.
Teams may set up their tents on the infield of the track and those traveling with campers are to use the adjacent school parking lot. It is preferred that campers/tents not be set up prior to noontime on June 4.
The Luminary bags will be available for purchase up until 8 p.m. on June 4. The bags are $10 each and purple ribbons are available for $5 each.
For more information on the Aroostook County Relay for Life contact Williams at 496-7231 or 227-2213.
Celebrate — Remember — Fight Back.
