JEFFERSON — Ashtabula County residents will rally this weekend to raise money for the American Cancer Society at the 10th annual Relay for Life at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds.
Formerly held at Grand River Academy, the Relay for Life has grown by leaps and bounds and has made the fairgrounds its home for the past two years, said Jacque Burnett, one of the coordinators.
Also for the second year, the Geneva Eagle’s F.O.E. 2243 will serve as the Power Purple Sponsor of the event. The event is being held Friday, with registration beginning at 5 p.m., through noon on Saturday.
This year 55 teams are registered for the event, and more than 150 cancer survivors are registered to participate, Burnett said.
“That’s the most we’ve ever had,” she said.
The opening ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. Friday, and the cancer survivors will make the first lap at 6:20 p.m. Phil’s Catering will cater a dinner at 6:30 p.m. Following the dinner, one member from each team must be on the track at all times until the event’s conclusion Saturday morning, she said.
“The idea behind that is cancer never sleeps,” Burnett said.
The teams have obtained sponsors and held fundraisers and will have campsites set up at the event for more fundraising opportunities. At 9:30 p.m., a luminaria ceremony will be held. Burnett said the ceremony pays reverence to those living with cancer and those who lost the fight.
“It’s very emotional but also uplifting,” she said.
Participants light candles in bags displaying the names of the individuals stricken with cancer, and deceased cancer victims, during the ceremony.
“I’m a cancer survivor,” Burnett said. “I lost my brother to cancer three years ago. I think everyone has been touched by cancer. This is a chance for the community to participate in the fight.”
All proceeds from the event benefit the American Cancer Society. Last year, Ashtabula County raised $67,000 at the event, almost double its goal of $35,000. This year, the event goal is $55,000, but Burnett said the hope is to surpass the goal again.
The event is free and open to the public. An awards ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday to conclude the event.
Local News
County rallies to raise money to fight cancer
- Local News
-
-
Six ready to interview for Buckeye’s super job
The Buckeye Local Board of Education will conduct interviews with six superintendent hopefuls next week, said Board President Jacqueline Hillyer.
-
Shooting suspect to be tried as adult
A 17-year-old will be tried as an adult in the school shooting deaths of three students, a juvenile court judge ruled Thursday after hearing a sheriff’s deputy describe how the teen wore a T-shirt with the word “Killer” and admitted shooting people.
-
Ohio EPA takes AIM at site of hazardous wastes
Ohio Environmental Protection Agency staff members returned this week to the site of the now-bankrupt Ashtabula Iron and Metal on West 30th Street to take samples of the unknown liquids and analyze hazardous wastes, asbestos and other potential health and environmental concerns.
-
Commissioners look at selling nursing beds
Commissioners have retained the services of a law firm that specializes in the sale of excess nursing home beds as the board looks at ways to raise additional revenues.
-
Conneaut looks at demolition funds
The city is making preparations to secure its share of nearly $692,000 in demolition funds expected to be Ashtabula County’s portion of a multi-billion dollar settlement with national mortgage lenders.
-
Volunteers get more help than needed at rescue spot
Despite their good intentions, Edward and Mary proved more hindrance than help to the Conneaut KeyBank employees lending a helping hand Thursday to a farm animal rescue operation in Kingsville Township.
-
220 graduate at Lakeside
Thursday night was a time of pomp, circumstance and smiles as 220 seniors graduated from Lakeside High School.
-
Lost money?
There is no map, and “X” may not mark the spot, but hundreds of Ashtabula County residents may have unclaimed cash ready and waiting for them through the Ohio Department of Commerce.
-
Lane to be tried as adult in Chardon High shooting
A 17-year-old boy will be tried as an adult in the school shooting deaths of three students, a juvenile court judge ruled Thursday.
-
Happy Hearts School holds commencement for its Class of 2012
As commencement exercises go in Ashtabula County, the one at Happy Hearts School was small, with just five students.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Six ready to interview for Buckeye’s super job

