Poland hosts third annual Relay for Life

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Neighbors | Submitted.Cancer survivors walked in the survivors lap at Poland's 2009 Relay for Life. Themed laps, such as this, will be walked Friday on the track of Poland Seminary High School.

Poland residents will once again walk all night to help find a cure for cancer.

Poland Seminary High School will host its third annual American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life Friday. Opening ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. and the event will last until 6 p.m. Saturday.

Relay king and queen will be crowned during the opening ceremony by Poland residents Andy Fusco and Roberta McCollums. They were crowned as the relay’s first king and queen in 2008.

Cancer survivors will be treated to a complimentary dinner from Santa Fe Southwestern Grille following the opening.

A luminaria ceremony will be at 10 p.m. to honor those who have lost their battle with cancer or who are struggling with the disease. Endurance walkers will continuously walk on the track and themed laps will be held throughout the event. Some themes include the superhero/villain lap, Power of Purple lap, old relay shirt lap and a sunrise lap.

The Western Reserve Fire District will take part in a Midnight Fire Walk where they will challenge each other to laps while breathing through their air tanks. People will have an opportunity to choose who they think will walk the most laps.

This year’s contests and games include frozen chicken bowling, Scrabble, a scavenger hunt and a frozen T-shirt contest. There will also be live band performances and karaoke throughout the night.

Three new activities have been added to the relay. Kids Camp, featuring games, crafts and activities, Touch-a-Truck and a car show will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Poland’s first Relay for Life was held in 2008 where 12 teams raised more than $13,000. In 2009, 26 teams registered and raked in more than $49,000. This year’s goal is to raise $55,000 and 30 teams. For information, visit www.relayforlife.org/poland.