Get ready to Relay

Published 8:51 pm Wednesday, May 15, 2019

There’s only a few more days till the Suffolk Relay for Life kicks off this Saturday, but there’s still time for participants to sign up to do their part in the fight against cancer.

Relay for Life of Suffolk will be held Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. at Nansemond River High School, 3301 Nansemond Parkway. Participants will do laps non-stop on the school track and help raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society.

The theme for this year’s Relay is “Passport for a Cure — Relay around the World.”

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The day will begin with an opening ceremony from noon to 12:30 p.m., followed by festivities provided by PUSH Comedy Theater from 1 to 1:45 p.m. There will be “Retro Rocks” from 2 to 2:45 p.m. and the “Mascot Race” on the track from 2 to 2:30 p.m.

Musical act Calvin Simmons will perform from 3 to 3:45 p.m., then Tre’ Smith from 4 to 4:45 p.m. After both performances, cancer survivors will begin their survivor laps at 5 p.m.

Children will pet animals with Kay’s Acres Petting Zoo from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and there will be karaoke from 6 to 7 p.m. and DJ music from 7 to 8 p.m. The final musical act will be Paul Jarman from 8:30 to 9 p.m.

The lighting of the luminarias will be at 9 p.m. and will be followed by the evening’s closing ceremony at 9:45 p.m. Bags are available for purchase online for $10 and on the day of the event as well. These will be personalized to honor loved ones and placed around the track.

Those participating will do a silent lap around the track to the light of the luminarias, then there will be a reading to remember those lost to cancer and to celebrate survivors.

As of Wednesday afternoon, about $62,744 has been raised towards this year’s $150,000 goal, with three days to go. Visit relayforlife.org/suffolkva for upcoming deadlines and updates to the event’s schedule. Registration for the event is free.