Rock County’s Relay For Life will be using a new format for its June 13 fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.
Teams and supporters will gather at Take 16 Brewery on East Main Street in Luverne for the event that supports cancer survivors and to remember those who died of cancer.
“We couldn’t be at the school this year because of construction,” said Lisa Ehlers, chairwoman of Rock County Relay for Life.
“So we decided to try something different.”
The evening begins at 5:30 with a meal donated by Teal’s to raise money with donations and team activities.
“We’ll still use some of the same Relay for Life features, like the basket auction,” Ehlers said.
“But this will be a whole new way to Relay.”
This year’s Relay at the brewery will introduce some new ideas, such as a “Beer’d Contest” for the best beards starting at 6:30 p.m.
Also new this year will be more kids’ entertainment, including a mechanical bull that will be available for riding for a donation. The Kid’s Zone will also have face painting, tattoos, sidewalk chalk and beanbags.
The standard Relay for Life luminary fundraiser continues to seek donations from supporters who purchase a luminary bag and decorate it in honor or memory of a loved one.
These will be placed around the Take 16 perimeter and continued around the block east and then north on Blue Mound and possibly west on Lincoln as far as the luminaries reach.
A new twist this year will be digital luminaries that allow supporters to send images of their loved ones to be featured in a slideshow during the event.
Kim and Maggie Schmidt are the honored Relay for Life survivor and caregiver, and they’ll share their stories during opening ceremonies, which start at 7 p.m.
The event wraps up with the survivors’ balloon release at roughly 8:45 and the Glow Run/Walk at 9 p.m.
The annual Relay was in the Luverne Elementary School commons last year, and for many years prior to that it was at Luverne City Park.
Relay For Life raises money for the American Cancer Society to support breakthrough therapies and research for a cure and help patients gain access to treatment and community support.
Since 1985 Relay For Life events in the U.S. have raised more than $6.3 billion.
More information about the 2019 event is at RelayForLife.org/RockCountyMN or 877-957-7848.