SIKESTON — After a couple years with tepid interest, organizers are hoping for a big turnout at Saturday’s Scott County Relay for Life event held at the Sikeston Sports Complex.
The event will begin at noon and go until 10 p.m. with 12 to 14 teams signed up to participate.
It will begin with a lap for those who have survived cancer. That will be followed by a special lap for those caregivers who helped those with cancer, and “they will be getting a special gift this year,” said Soozi Hovis, event organizer.
While the cancer survivors are the guests of honor, there is all kinds of entertainment planned for those who attend.
“One of the biggest attractions is our live auction,” said Amber Scudder, one of the event organizers.
The live auction is scheduled to begin about 3 p.m. with lots of items set to be auctioned off.
“There are some extremely good Cardinals tickets that will be auctioned off and there are some St. Louis Blues tickets as well,” Hovis said. “We have a lot of nice items.”
Besides the auction there will be plenty of entertainment throughout the day with several bands scheduled to perform along with gymnasts and there will be plenty of food available as well.
The popular Luminaria Ceremony is scheduled to begin around 8 p.m.
“People can purchase them for those who have fought the battle, are still fighting the battle or lost the battle to cancer and those will be lining the lake,” said Hovis. “It is a very impressive sight.”
The event will conclude at 10 p.m. with a closing ceremony that follows an awards ceremony.
With the weather expected to be sunny with temperatures in the low 70s, Scudder and Hovis are both hoping to get the community to come out and take part.
“We are trying to get more community involvement,” said Scudder, adding that “several local businesses from Scott and Mississippi County have donated to be corporate sponsors this year.”
All the money raised at the event is used for cancer research, prevention, education, advocacy and patient services.