April 25, 2024

Relay for Life moving downtown

By Jamee A

A team of cancer survivors walk around the track at H.A. Lynn Stadium for the 2016 Jasper County Relay for Life. The 2017 Relay for Life is moved to downtown Newton and starts at 4 p.m. on Saturday. (File Photo)

Relay for Life of Jasper County has made the move to downtown Newton for the 2017 event. Starting at 4 p.m. Saturday, the public is invited to participate in the walk, enjoy entertainment, music and games and purchase luminaria to be lit once the sun goes down.

“Feedback from individuals that had participated in years past and comments from last year that they would like to have it on the square again (is why it moved back),” organizer Jeff Price said. “It has been in both locations off and on since the event started.”

The event starts with team and survivor registration and check-in at 4 p.m. Also at that time, the official cornhole tournament will start and the survivor and caregiver reception and social hour kicks off. Those wishing to participate in the cornhole tournament can register any day before the event at Stacy’s Sweetstuff. The cost per team of two is $20 and spots will be available the day of the event.

Opening ceremony starts at 5 p.m. with survivor and caregiver laps to follow. The survivors lap defines courage and inspire those facing a cancer diagnosis. Their strength is honored with each step they take around the first lap. The caregivers lap is for other who provide selfless acts caring for those who have cancer. Often the caregiver walks with the person they’ve supported.

From 5 to 7 p.m., Hy-Vee will be have food for purchase and at 6:15 p.m. a Pie in the Face event will give participants the chance toss a pie at a number of local celebrities. Dessert comes from Culver’s with custard available at 7 p.m.

A silent auction, which will run throughout the event, will conclude at 8 p.m. Those who made bids must be present to win.

The evening culminates in the luminaria ceremony at 9 p.m. where participants celebrate all they have accomplished together and remember those they have lost. Together, they commit to take action and help end the pain and suffering of cancer.

Sponsors for the annual event include The Dental Practice, Stacy's Sweetstuff, Windstream, Hy-Vee, Newton Daily News and RT's Custom Cornhole Boards. For more information, visit www.relayforlife.org/jaspercountyia or contact tara.eisele@cancer.org.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com