Crescent-News.com - Relay for Life events slated this weekend

By DARLENE PRINCE

prince@crescent-news.com

Residents of the Hicksville area as well as Williams County will have the opportunity to support their respective Relay for Life events on Friday and Saturday.

The Relay for Life of Hicksville will be held at the Hicksville High School track. The opening ceremonies will start at 6 p.m., with Mayor Larry Haver in charge and the national anthem sung by Carrie Cleland. The relay will continue through the evening and end at 12 p.m. on Saturday.

The goal for the relay is $80,000. Last year, the relay surpassed its goal and raised $81,827.83.

The survivor and caregiver lap is set for 6-6:30 p.m., followed by the parade of teams and Kevin Miller in charge of Meet Our Ms. Relay contestants. The relay bank opens from 8-9 p.m.

Luminaria lighting takes place from 9:30-10 p.m., with the luminaria ceremony set for 10-11:30 p.m. The ceremony honors those who did not survive cancer and will include an invocation by Jack Teeple, songs by Ellen Coplin and readings by Cindy Tollas. Music will be by Age Old Stationary.

Things will start hopping with the Ms. Relay Sock Hop from 11:30 p.m.-12 a.m.

Theme laps start at 12 a.m. with the Guitar Hero lap from 2-4 a.m. and a salute to the 1950s, '60s, '70s and '80s during each lap.

Music during the event will be performed by Revelation Band from 7:45-8:45 p.m. on Friday, David Bussing & Band from 12-1 a.m., Chuck Witte from 7-8 a.m. and Fike Brothers Band from 10-11 a.m.

Breakfast will be served at the pavilion from 8-9 a.m., with a performance of the Five Star Dance Studio at the same time.

This year's auction will be held under the tent from 9-10:30 a.m. The contest and raffle winners will be announced at 11 a.m., followed by closing ceremonies beginning at 11:15 a.m.

In Williams County, the relay will be held at the Williams County Fairgrounds at Montpelier.

This year's goal is $121,000. Last year, the relay raised $114,139.19

The event kicks off with deejay Nightshift Mobile at 5 p.m. Survivor registration is at 5:30 p.m. and opening ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. Also at 6 p.m. are the silent auction and the opening of the art show.

Lori Avina will perform at 6:30 p.m., at which time the survivor reception will begin. Two bands, Studio Band and Klassic Kountry, will perform at 7 and 8 p.m., respectively. Following them at 9 p.m. will be the Beaver Brothers-Ben Miller.

At 10 p.m., the luminary ceremony will begin.

The Beaver Brothers-Ben Miller will perform again at 11 p.m. and a pizza party will be held.

At midnight, contestants will line up for the Miss Relay Contest and at 1 a.m., the silent auction and art show start. Themed laps will be held from 1:30-8:30 a.m.

Weary team members can re-invigorate with a pancake and sausage breakfast at 7 a.m. and then participate in a 5K run beginning at 8 a.m.

Visitors and team members will be treated to a performance of the Children's Marching Band at 9 a.m.

Final bids will be accepted for the art auction at 9:30 a.m.

Closing ceremonies start at 11:30 a.m.