Relay for Life this Saturday in Villisca
Villisca is gearing up for the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life this Saturday, June 17.
Montgomery County Relay for Life Committee Chair Cindy Whaley said the event kicks off at 7:30 a.m. with a 5k run/walk, one-mile run/walk, a 5k relay and a kiddos lap, and other early activities.
“We have a three-on-three basketball tournament and a golf tournament also scheduled for that day,” Whaley said.
At 2 p.m., there will be activities for kids in the park, as well as homemade ice cream. At 4 p.m., there will be bingo, and music provided during the afternoon by Chris Gibler. At 5 p.m., a meal will be served by Villisca Fire Department personnel, and bed races begin at 6 p.m.
Whaley said the opening ceremony for the Relay For Life event is scheduled at 4 p.m. at the city park.
“The guest speaker is Denise Gossett with Montgomery County Memorial Hospital. We’ll follow that with the survivor meal at 5 p.m. in the community building.”
Following the meal, the survivor lap will be held, followed by the lighting of luminaries and the closing ceremony.
“There will be different entertainment going on at the park during this time, and at 9 p.m., there will be a street dance with the band, “On the Fritz,” Whaley advised.
Whaley added that there will be plenty of activities to entertain the kids during the event.
“There will be a ferris wheel, bounce house, face painting, and different games. Also, our local art teacher, Marie Sussman, will be able to do their own painting with her. The kids session will be at 4 p.m., and a session for the adults will be at 2 p.m. There’s something for all ages,” said Whaley.
The annual Relay For Life event draws many visitors, and Whaley is hoping for another great turnout this year.
“We’re hoping the whole county can come out, and we’re hoping for good weather. The last time we held it in Villisca, we had problems with rain. We’re hoping we don’t have that this year.”
In the event of rain, activities will be held at the Villisca School building.