Published on August 15, 2024 2:45 p.m.
The Relay for Life tradition continues for the entire Anthracite Region on Saturday at Tamaqua Area High School Stadium.
Teams, survivors, caregivers and the public are welcome to attend and run. The event is organized by the Cancer Telethon Organization, an all-volunteer organization based in Schuylkill County with an office in Lansford.
Gates open for registration at 5 p.m. At that time, “Polka Joe” Manjack from WMGH radio will begin a live broadcast.
The opening ceremony begins at 6 p.m., followed by a performance by the band Hatter at 7 p.m.
The Luminaria service begins at 8:00 p.m. Luminaria bags will be available for sale at the event to decorate the route. The event ends at 9:30 p.m.
During the service, Alexis Jones, a two-bout cancer survivor and recent Tamaqua graduate, will speak. Jones survived both childhood and adult ovarian cancer.
At Tamaqua Area High School, Jones was part of the cross country, track and field and girls wrestling teams. She will share her story of cancer to give hope and encouragement to others. Jones plans to study pediatric health sciences at Cedar Crest College.
The Luminaria service is a traditional and popular part of the event. Local entertainers provide live and soulful performances and everyone is given a candle to carry around the race track.
The funeral and luminaria services will also feature a live bagpipe performance of “Amazing Grace” as well as vocal performances by local musician Jason DeMarco and Pennsylvania Miss Amazing Junior Queen Reily Bauer.
Food and drinks will be available for purchase and there will be a basket raffle to benefit the Relay fundraiser.
The event is led by Pat Walker, a longtime Relay volunteer. Walker is part of the family that owns Walker’s Tree Farm in Lehighton.
The traditional season motto “Celebrate! Remember. Fight back!” will run through the entire program.
Admission is free and registration is not required.
Walker said the relay committee is confident people will form teams, run, raise money and donate.
“We just want people to come out and show up – and show our support for our survivors and remember those they’ve lost – by running the oval path,” said Donna Mullen, a longtime Relay committee member. “While here, we hope people will consider purchasing a Luminaria bag or two to place along the route. Luminaria can also be purchased in advance online or from any CancerTelethon volunteer.”
For more information, to donate or to volunteer, contact Walker at [email protected] or 484-629-2713.
Live entertainment from the band Hatter will be provided at the Relay for Life at Tamaqua Area High School Stadium on Saturday. Pictured are (from left) members George Parr, Dylan Heft, Jordan Marsh and Cody Schuch. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
The Relay for Life will take place Saturday at the Tamaqua Area High School Stadium. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
