Relay For Life gets underway today

Published 12:01 am Friday, April 5, 2019

Relay For Life of Copiah-Lincoln gets underway at the Lincoln Civic Center today, rain or shine, with a goal of raising funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society.

Businesses are asked to “Paint the Town Purple” with purple bows on their doors. Ribbons are available for a $5 donation at The Daily Leader office until 5 p.m. today.

Relay For Life begins at the multi-purpose arena with the annual survivor banquet, a free meal prepared by Farm Bureau for cancer survivors, spouses and caregivers. Registration is at 5:30 p.m. with the meal beginning at 6 p.m.

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The Relay event begins at 7 p.m. at the covered arena during the annual Mississippi Spring Fest and Fair. The change in location could bring a boost in donations for the ACS fundraiser, said Cindy Ashmore, a senior community development manager with the American Cancer Society.

Tonight is Relay For Life Night and includes the cancer survivor reception, special recognition for the Brookhaven Exchange Club, food, entertainment, games and a late-night luminaria ceremony.

The event is free to attend, and Ashmore hopes having the spring fair at the same location will help bring people in to visit team booths and support the cause.

While some Relay events stretch the full 24 hours to show that cancer never sleeps, the Copiah-Lincoln event ends at 11 p.m. with a closing ceremony and awards.

The Copiah-Lincoln’s Relay goal is over $60,000.