Carroll South Relay For Life teams will see the fruits of their year-long labor in the fight against cancer come to a climax this weekend during an all-night event at Veteran's Park in Huntingdon. All area citizens and guests are invited to join in the fun of food, entertainment and contests at the park beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, July 12 and continuing until 7 a.m. Saturday, July 13. Co-chairmen of this year's event are Dr. Tim Tucker and Dr. Lee Carter. Honorary co-chairmen are Rhonda Powell and Jessie Knott.

"Relay is successful only because of the enormous amount of work that these teams of volunteers have invested in the effort," said Tucker. "About a week or two before the event when our stress levels increase, a few of us might wonder just for a moment, just why we got involved with it. Yet when one sees the honorees, our cancer survivors, and you learn of their valiant efforts to overcome the disease, it makes it all very worthwhile. It becomes as much of a source of encouragement to us as volunteers as it does to the survivors."

Dr. Carter said he was expecting an even greater 2002 celebration that the much-heralded 2001 Relay celebration.

"Last year, we just outdid ourselves by raising $113,000 for the American Cancer Society. This placed us ninth in the entire nation when compared to counties our size," recalls Carter. "We have a few more teams this year, and they have done a tremendous amount of work this spring and early summer in getting ready for the July 12 celebration. A total of $88,590 has been raised this year so far. More money will be submitted by the teams following the Friday night event.

A survivor registration and reception from 6:00 until 6:45 p.m. and a show by square dancers from 6:15 - 6:45 p.m. will precede the opening ceremony and survivor's lap from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Twenty-nine campsites will be lined around the perimeter of the park featuring an array of colorful décor and themes. Bring a lawn chair and come out and sample the wide assortment of foods campers will be offering for sale throughout the evening. Some campsites will begin offering food as early as 5:00 p.m. Among the many menu items are barbecue, chicken and trimmings, grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, BBQ bologna, catfish, white beans and cornbread, grilled pork chops, corn on the cob, fried cabbage, ice cream, sno cones, caramel apples, popcorn, candy, strawberry shortcake, hot fudge cakes, tropical dessert, Krispy Kreme donuts, fried pies, cotton candy, fried bananas, funnel cakes, cheese sticks, pizza, nachos, breakfast burritos, eggs and bacon, sausage and biscuits, and lots of pies, cakes and drinks. Many novelty items will also be offered for sale.

The first of a talent showcase will be presented at 8:00 - 9:30 p.m., with the second round of talent performances taking place 10:30 - 11:00 p.m. Between the showcases, a heart-warming luminary ceremony will honor the loved ones of contributors, many who are battling cancer and others who have won their battle with the insidious disease. Other luminaries will be lighted in memory of those who have lost their battle to cancer.

Those who enjoy good musical entertainment must be on hand from 11:00 p.m. until l:00 a.m. to hear "Chickasaw Bluegrass Band," "Perfect Grace," and "Song Writer's Showcase."

Relay Olympics from 1:00 - 3:00 a.m. will be a fast-paced activity to stimulate those enjoying the early morning hours at the park. A "Dude Looks Like A Lady" Revue at 3:00 - 4:30 a.m. is sure to open the eyes of spectators as beauties take to the stage.

Those with rhythm in their bones are invited to take part in karaoke from 4:30 - 5:45 a.m.

Events will be drawn to a close with a sunrise service from 6:00 - 6:30 a.m. and the closing ceremony from 6:30 - 7:00 a.m.

Phone (731) 352-3323 or Fax (731) 352-3322
washburn@mckenziebanner.com