FeedsCity of Westland readies for Relay For Life
This weekend, volunteers from throughout the community will take strides to battle cancer as Westland hosts Relay For Life.
The 7th annual event, which is designed to raise money for the American Cancer Society and educate the public about cancer, has found a new location this year in Jaycee Park due to the closure of Central City Park for environmental testing. Jaycee Park is located near the intersection of Hunter and Wildwood roads, east of Wayne Road and north of Ford Road.
Opening ceremonies are planned for 10 a.m. on Saturday The action will continue nonstop until 10 a.m. Sunday.
“We’re highly encouraging people who are not associated with a team to turn out and see what it is all about,” said Westland City Councilman and community liaison Michael Kehrer. “We need people to come out; it will be a better event if they show up.”
Because discussions about Relay For Life tend to focus on the teams, he said that individuals who are not part of a team might hesitate to stop by. People can help by buying lunch or a craft item from the fundraising booths or just cheering on the participants.
Designed to have a festive atmosphere, the event will also include family games and challenges and live entertainment that will be open to the public.
“It’s family friendly and a lot of fun for people of all ages,” said Holly Soranno, community representative for the American Cancer Society.
Free concerts will be available throughout the day. Soloist Brett Williams will perform between 10:30 a.m. and noon while alternative rock band 8 Lives Gone will take the stage from 2-3:30 p.m. Dear Maybe, which performs original alternative and indie rock, will provide the music from 4:30-6 p.m. The live music will finish up with Slippery Creek, which will perform a mix of rock, classic rock, southern rock, country, and blue from 8-9:30 p.m.
Organizers are still searching for men and women who have defeated cancer for the 4 p.m. survivor ceremony, victory lap, and complimentary survivor luncheon.
At 10 p.m. on Saturday a luminaria ceremony honoring those who lost their battle against cancer will begin. It is, Soranno said, a scene those who experience it will never forget.
“It’s a very touching ceremony,” she said.
Kehrer stressed that all of the events have been designed to have minimal impact on the residents of the surrounding neighborhoods.
“We know that we’re in a park that has a lot more houses in close proximity,” he said. “We are definitely having a good neighbor policy.”
No amplified sound after 11p.m. Parking for the event will be available at the Mike Modano Ice Arena and, if necessary, at nearby Edison Elementary School. Individuals are asked not to park along residential streets.
For more information about the event or to register for the survivor luncheon, contact Soranno at (248) 483-4359 or via email at holly.soranno@cancer.org.
