By SARA PHELPS

Don’t miss the Tyrrell County Relay for Life on Friday, June 3. Everyone in the community is invited to attend from 6 p.m. to midnight at Tyrrell Hall. To understand the event better, the following information explains what Relay for Life IS and IS not . . . 

• Relay for Life IS a volunteer-driven community event created by the American Cancer Society. The first event was created as a 24-hour event to symbolize that cancer never sleeps. Now communities, like Tyrrell County, can chose to host a shorter event with an evening component.
• Relay for Life events begin with an opening ceremony that includes a victory lap led by cancer survivors that starts and sets the tone for the entire event. Tyrrell County Relay for Life is still looking for cancer survivors to register and attend the 2016 event. For more information or to register a cancer survivor, contact Fleedie Reynolds at 252-796-0606 or at fleedie@embarqmail.com. All cancer survivors are invited to attend. Please arrive early to attend a Survivors Reception in your honor.
• Relay for Life IS the signature fundraising event for the American Cancer Society in the Tyrrell County community. Funds raised directly benefit cancer patients and care givers through cancer research and pharmaceutical breakthroughs, the Hope Lodge and many support services — including advocacy, education and information on patient services and programs. Through community support and fundraising efforts of teams and individuals throughout the year, Relay for Life essentially funds the mission of the American Cancer Society.
• Relay for Life IS NOT an event that supports the use of tobacco products or alcohol. Even though all Relay for Life events are tobacco-free, tobacco users are not excluded. Their participation is encouraged but use of tobacco during the event is discouraged. Also, Relay for Life is a family event held on county property, where alcohol is prohibited.

Ten teams have committed to the 2016 Tyrrell County Relay for Life, many of which are neighbors, co-workers, family and friends. During the event on Friday, June 3, there are many ways to show support:

• Register as a cancer survivor, attend the cancer survivor reception and walk the event’s first lap.
• From 5 – 7 p.m. — Purchase and enjoy Martelle’s Pork Loin Dinner. Tickets support the Chamber of Commerce team and are available at Columbia Pharmacy and the Chamber office. Dinner plates are $10 per person, eat in or take out.
• At 6 p.m., join the relay teams and community at the Opening Ceremony with the Survivors Victory Lap followed by the Parade of Teams lap.
• After the opening ceremony, team stations will have hamburgers, hot dogs, snow cones, funnel cakes and more to sell.
• Everyone is invited to stay and enjoy the event throughout the evening — check out the Relay Silent Auction, too.
• 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. — Games (from corn hole to the limbo) and Activities available for all ages!
• Jail-a-thon is back by popular demand. Check out team raffles and more. Don’t miss anything.
• 7 p.m. — Talent show hosted by the Clerks for a Cure team. Contact Elizabeth Hopkins for more information.
• 9 p.m. — Luminaria Ceremony – a time of remembrance
• 9:45 – 11:30 p.m. — Entertainment includes karaoke, line dancing and more.
• 11:35 p.m. — Closing ceremony begins with team recognition, team awards and the 2016 Relay’s Final Lap.
• Midnight — Teams clean up stations and depart for home.

Paint our world Purple, Tyrrell County. Join us on June 3.

For more information, contact Charlene Pate at 252 796-2652 or charlene6886@gmail.com.