Relay for Life planned June 6

The Nine Mile Falls and Lake Spokane community will hold the fourth annual Relay for Life June 6 and 7 at the Lakeside High School track field. Events start at 5 p.m. with a survivors dinner on June 6. Anyone who is a cancer survivor is invited to the Mexican dinner donated by Taco Del Mar of Indian Trail, followed by desserts donated by Stephanie’s Isn’t it Sweet bakery. Free T-shirts are provided to all cancer survivors before they take their first symbolic laps around the track to officially kick off the relay.

A variety of entertainment and festivities are planned for the event. A silent auction under the main tent opens to bidding at 5 p.m. June 6. Auction items include a day of sailing on Lake Pend Orielle and one hour of live harp entertainment. The Singing Nuns will perform from 7 to 8 p.m., followed by Brass Quintessence Jazz Band from 8 to 10.

At 9:30 p.m., Alyssa Fennell, Miss Spokane 2008 and co-chariwoman of the event, will crown this year’s Mr. Relay. A luminaria ceremony starts at 10 p.m. to honor those who have died from cancer. Hundreds of white paper bags will be placed around the field, each with the name of a cancer victim, containing a candle that will be lighted as each name is read over the loud speaker.

In addition to the music, there will be food booths and concession stands, all part of the fundraising efforts by the participating teams, with all proceeds going to the cause.

Relay organizers anticipate a turnout of 1,000 people, and hope to raise $31,500. The event raised $26,000 last year, which went to the four areas that the relay funds: research, education, advocacy and patients service/programs.

The public is invited to participate, and you don’t have to be on a team to walk or donate. The suggested donation for the luminaria bags is $10. Everything else is free, including the dinner. To RSVP for the dinner, call LaDonna Sicafoose at 468-5055.