Relay Is This Weekend

DAYTON - The Blue Mountain Relay for Life returns to Dayton for the fifth time with 21 teams and more than 200 team members coming together to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

The event begins with an opening ceremony at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15 and runs through 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16, at the Dayton Sports Complex.

The survivors lap will be at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, the luminary cer- emony will be at 8 p.m. Saturday and closing ceremony will be 7 a.m. on Sunday morning.

The event is an over- night relay-style event, according to a release from Relay for Life me- dia contact Sherrie Ke- ifer.

Teams of people can camp around the track for the event and enjoy food, games and activities provided for entertain- ment and to encourage fundraising.

"Every year we raise thousands of dollars for the American Cancer So- ciety," Keifer said. "It's a really fun, inspiring event."

The event in 2011 raised more than $22,000.

There were 21 teams and about 300 partici- pants. Last Monday night at the Dayton City Council, council member Delphine Bailey said the group hopes to raise $30,000 for cancer research this year.

Activities will include contests like Relay Roy- alty, a scavenger hunt and tricycle races. Food and refreshments will include a barbecue dinner and a latte stand.

Luminaries will be lit for the entire night in memory and celebration to those who have fought and continue to fight can- cer.

This year, the national team is "Ready, Set, Go," Keifer said.

Individual members are not required to attend the entire event, but all community members are encouraged to come out and support the relay walkers and runners.