Relay For Life of Rapides - "Relay on the Red"

As a leader in the fight to end cancer, the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is a signature fundraising event in the CenLA area each year. Event volunteers and sponsors are excited to move this event downtown for the first time this year.

The festival-style event will feature live entertainment from Johnny Earthquake and the Moondogs on stage from 6 – 10 p.m. Opening ceremonies and a cancer survivor celebration will take place at 7 p.m. There will be food, entertainment and activities for all ages, and there is no admission to attend. Donations made at the event benefit the life-saving mission of the American Cancer Society.

Teams from businesses, schools, families and friends will host campsites or booths with different food and activities for donations throughout the night.

The event has traditionally been a relay style event around a high school track, with teams taking turns walking throughout the night – reflecting a cancer patients journey through the darkest hours of the night. Though the event will keep the Relay spirit present, the set up and festivities through the night will offer a new and exciting experience.

The evening will conclude with fireworks over the river during a beautiful Luminaria Ceremony of Hope held at 9 p.m. to honor survivors and to remember loved ones lost to cancer. Hundreds of luminaria bags will be decorated and filled with candles to display during this special ceremony. Anyone can dedicate a luminaria for a $10 donation.

Signature sponsors for this year’s event include: Rapides Regional Cancer Center, UTLX, Procter & Gamble, KALB and CHRISTUS Cabrini Cancer Center.

Along with funding cancer research, the American Cancer Society provides over 1500 services to patients and families from the CenLA area each year. Anyone can reach the Society day or night at 800.227.2345 or at cancer.org.

The event volunteer leaders expect to see over 1000 attendees at this year’s event.