Each Relay For Life event develops its own schedule of activities and might have a personalized theme that fits with the American Cancer Society's national theme. However, at the same time all Relay For Life fundraisers have some things in common. For sure, one thing they all share is fun and laughter.
The Essex Relay For Life event, held on the campus of the Community Colleges of Baltimore County – Essex, follows this scenario that is most common throughout Relays:
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Opening Ceremony. The organizing committee works out the time for each that suits their supporters. Often times, each opening ceremony includes a salute to each survivor – announcing their name and the number of years they have survived. At Essex, each survivor is also presented a flower – usually a carnation.
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Survivors' Celebration:. This includes the fact that survivors lead off the first lap to open the Relay. Many Relays insure that the Survivors' Celebration includes a dinner. The Essex Relay has a hot buffet, sit-down meal. Other Relays organize a bar-b-q cookout or other more informal meal. Again, these arrangements are made by the organizing committees.
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Luminary Ceremony: At dusk or just after dark, each Relay is asked to hold the Luminary Ceremony. A script is available to be read at this time. Candles, placed in white bags, are lit and line the track. If there are enough luminaries available, many Relays form the word “HOPE.” CCBC Essex has a perfect hillside, convenient for all participants to see. Advocates and supporters from the community, who may not otherwise be participating in the Relay, are often invited to participate in this particular ceremony. The luminaries remain lighted throughout the night, lighting the track as Relayers walk.
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The Track: Throughout the event, teams are expected to have a team member on the track at all times. The “track” is any set course identified by the organizing committee. Most teams come, set up a campsite and spend the night having a great time. Some teams have team members arrive to take their turn on the track and then leave. Whatever works best for your team members is fine. The Essex Relay includes a campsite for each team. Some sites are just chairs; others include tents and cots, even charcoal grills and lanterns.
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Closing Ceremonies are held between 6 – 7 AM. The Essex Relay will include a hot breakfast this year for those who have braved the night and are still hanging tough. Each team should have at least a representative present at both the opening and closing ceremonies.
As mentioned, each Relay has the freedom to schedule specific events that will be unique to their Relay. More on specifics for the Essex Relay will be shared in Part Four of this series.
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