By Eason Franklin
The Lowndes Signal

Relay For Life is coming back to Lowndes County to help raise money for the American Cancer Society.

Sponsored by the American Cancer Society, the annual event will be held at the Hayneville Town Square on Friday, April 23 starting at 5:30 p.m.

Residents of all ages from the surrounding communities within Lowndes County are invited to attend the affair.

“This event has been going on for at least seven years…maybe more,” said Coordinator Barbara Williams. “It gets larger and larger every year.”

Mayor Helenor Bell will officially open the event and welcome attending community members.

This year’s theme is entitled “Wishing for a World without Cancer, Happy Birthday” and multiple campsites will be erected to reflect this years theme.

Several community churches and companies will sponsor teams to solicit funds for the American Cancer Society to advance their research in finding a cure for cancer.

During the event, members from each team will walk laps around the town square continuously to symbolize the ongoing fight against cancer. This will last until the conclusion of the event.

An array of activities will be held at the Relay For Life including cooking contests, cake walks, a best site award for the team who has the best campsite erected and the Luminaria Ceremony.

This ceremony will acknowledge and recognize cancer survivors and those whom have passed as its result by lighting a candle in their honor.

Over 50 survivors of cancer were recognized at a banquet held at the Hayneville Senior Center last Friday, according to Williams.

Survivors ranged in age from ten to 90 years old.

Other activities will include student demonstrations by the Central and Calhoun High School ROTC, singing by County Gospel Best winner Irisha Trone and numerous other activities for children of all ages.

Admission to the event is free and all proceeds from funds raised will be contributed to the American Cancer Society to be used in finding a cure for cancer.