Event to be held in Perham

After two years of altered plans and a lot of “wait and see,” the Relay For Life of Otter Tail is gearing up for its annual event in Perham.

Plans are in full swing for an evening of fun and inspiration on Friday, July 8, at the Perham High School track. Activities begin at 5:30 p.m., but the public is welcome to join participants at any point during the evening. The event is free, and organizers would like to see a large crowd. 

This year’s East Otter Tail County Relay for Life has 22 teams that have been working very hard to raise money for cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services. The Relay For Life of West Otter Tail is joining forces with the Relay For Life of East Otter Tail for the first time; thus, the Relay for Life is titled the Relay For Life of Otter Tail. The theme is “Uniting our FourCes to Fight Cancer” (Commitment, Compassion, Courage, Creativity). 

Relay for Life organizers have set a goal of raising $150,000, and they are hopeful this goal will be met. Other goals include having 100 cancer survivors at the event and getting 60 ACS CAN members.

American Cancer Society CEO for Midwest Region and former Vikings Player Anthony Bass will speak in the Opening Ceremony, where the group will celebrate cancer survivors.

The Relay for Life events will begin at 2 p.m. when the luminaries are set up at the Perham High School track. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. activities will begin. The activities include a silent auction, concessions, bouncy house and kids games, a cash raffle and education activities.

The opening ceremony will begin at 7 p.m., which includes the survivors lap and dove release, while activities continue through 9 p.m.

The luminaria ceremony will begin at 9:15 p.m. when the honorary co-chairs speak, luminaries are lit and music will be played for those in attendance. 

Teams will walk the track throughout the night, before wrapping up at 6 p.m. on Saturday morning.