Community Corner

Dexter's Relay for Life Wants You to Come and Play

Relay teams will offer games and food to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Organizers of this year's Relay for Life of Dexter are promising a weekend of fun family-friendly activities to draw interest to the annual American Cancer Society fundraiser.

"We really want people to think of the relay as a festival event similiar to Dexter Daze," event coordinator Caroline Altomare said.

The festivities kick-off at 9 a.m. Saturday with a victory lap on the track around , located at 3215 Central St. in downtown Dexter, featuring cancer survivors.

Find out what's happening in Dexterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"We want to honor all of our survivors. They have or are fighting a battle that deserves recognition," Altomare said.

A cancer survivor is anyone who identifies themselves as a survivor, whether it's one day after diagnosis or 25 years after treatment, she said.

Find out what's happening in Dexterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Survivors can register online at www.relayforlife.org/dextermi and click on the "survivors" tab. When you register you will be given a special shirt to wear at the event. After the victory lap, survivors will be treated to a complimentary breakfast.

Following the victory lap, Dexter's 15 relay teams will set up their "campsites" around the park and will offer crafts such as fairy doors, face painting and henna tattoos for the public. The groups will also be selling hot dogs, snacks and other food items.

"All of the money we raise will go to the American Cancer Society," Altomare said. "The teams keep none of the money."

In addition, entertainment will be provided in the park's gazebo throughout the day. The line-up will feature karoake by Chuck Colby, performances by actors, an Elvis tribute artist, the Saline Fiddlers and Fiddlers ReStrung, and local bands, including a performance by Dexter Patch Editor Daniel Lai and his classic rock cover band Delirious Love at 6 p.m.

Throughout the day, members of the relay teams will take turns walking around the track at Memorial Park from 9 a.m. Saturday through 9 a.m. Sunday morning.

"Having a member walk on the track for 24 hours symbolizes that cancer never sleeps," Altomare said.

She said visitors are welcome to walk with team members on the track or just enjoy the many activities and musical performances.

"A lot of people think that if they come to the relay they have to participate," Altomare said. "You're purchase of a hotdog or a craft at the relay is your contribution to the American Cancer Society."

At 9 p.m. the track will be lit with luminarias and all participants will be given a candle as the names of cancer survivors and victims are displayed on a large screen amid solemn bagpipe music.

"There's not a dry eye during this luminary ceremony," Altomare said of past events. "It is very moving."

Admittance to the relay is free to the public. For more information, visit the relay's website.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here