Having read about the American Cancer Society’s  all night Relay For Life* in Dickson, I decided to check out the event, but not during the early hours, I wanted to see what was happening at midnight. To my great surprise, there was still plenty going on and lots of people in attendance!

I am afraid my dinky camera in competition with the stadium lights doesn’t give you the full effect of the carnival setting, but I hope the pictures help you see that many relay teams were still going strong. Teams from local businesses, churches and individuals were walking the track  in the middle of the night in the football stadium of Dickson County High School to celebrate survival and raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society.

I asked one relay team member why the relay was scheduled from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. and his reply was “because cancer does not sleep“**. The 28 teams walking all night had spent weeks raising money through car washes, bake sales, 5k runs etc. with the grand finally being the relay. I saw many booths still  raising funds  selling food (by 12:00 whole Pizzas were being sold for 5 bucks!), ice cream , jewelry, icees and cold drinks while other booths brought  contributions to the cause  with carnival games.

There was live musical entertainment in the main tent as I walked up and if my camera had not malfunctioned I would have been more than happy to share a picture of the winner of the Womanless Beauty Contest- he/she was beautiful! I did catch some of the Midnight Karaoke being performed by various individuals and relay teams which seemed to be offered to keep the crowd entertained but may have secretly been scheduled to keep the walkers awake. Some of the singers were great to listen to and some seemed to be performing because of a double-dog-dare-ya, but all in all it was quite enjoyable.

Luminaries lined the track and lit the way,  shining either in memory of those who lost the battle to cancer or in honor of those who have survived. It was powerful and emotional to behold. Each luminary bag was decorated by the purchaser with drawings, pictures, stickers and messages along with the name of the person being celebrated. The luminaries on the bleachers spelled out CURE although, I was told, earlier in the evening they had spelled out HOPE and were rearranged as the names  were read to the accompaniment of bagpipes during the Luminary Ceremony.

I understand, arriving when I did, I had missed many events including the Hula-Hoop Challenge, an auction, and an awesome sequential release of balloons that had been purchased by individuals in honor of a friend or loved one. Other activities scheduled throughout the night included a  Scavenger Hunt, the Not-so-Newlywed Game and the Redneck Relays.

Seeing people from my bank, local eateries and businesses as well as friends from various churches coming out to participate in the relay or support the American Cancer Society  made me realize once again why I like living in Dickson.

*As quoted from the Family Career and Community Leaders of America: “Relay for Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated. The power of Relay is that it allows a community to grieve for those lost to cancer and to celebrate the lives of those who survived. There is peace of mind knowing that together communities can face the challenges ahead.”

** The opening paragraph of a poem offered by the American Cancer Society, author unknown:

Cancer Never Sleeps

Relay For Life is an overnight event because “cancer never sleeps.” Relay For Life starts at dusk and ends in the early morning hours of the following day. The light and darkness of the day and night parallel the physical efforts, emotions, and mental state of a cancer patient while undergoing treatment.

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He’s an honor student with 4.0 GPA, a member of the Future Christians of America and also volunteers as a coach with various youth teams.