SIDNEY — Everywhere you turned Friday evening at the Shelby County Fair Grounds, a different holiday was being celebrated.
That’s because the theme of this year’s Shelby County Relay for Life was “Holidays of Hope”. In keeping with the theme, more than 30 of the 45 teams had a variety of activities in which to participate around the track, celebrating many holidays throughout the event. Santa even made an appearance, and trick-or-treating was set for 8 p.m.
As the co-leads of the event, Annette and Bob Schroerlucke, welcomed everyone to the event, the teams readied their booths.
Hugs from St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church had 98 raffle prizes, including half of a processed hog, they were raffling off.
“I’m here to help raise money to fight against cancer. It’s a good cause because it could happen to anybody at anytime,” Phyllis Evans, of Anna, said as she passed out a list of items they are giving away.
Evans has been coming to Relay for many years, every year since the second she thought, back when it was held at the old Sidney High School. This is the 31st year for Relay for Life in Shelby County.
Another long-time Relay for Life attendee was Brenda Roller, of Sidney, who has been cancer free for 10 years.
Roller joined the other survivors as they made the first lap around the track to kick off the relay.
“The survivors lap is my favorite part. I like getting to see the people who have gone through it,” said Kathy Marsh, of Sidney, who’s father passed away from cancer.
Marsh has volunteered at the event for many years with Ferguson Construction Company. Their booth this year had raffles for tools, gift cards, free oil changes, and gift baskets.
At the start of the opening ceremony Friday night, Shelby County re-layers had raised $67,785.54, but that number is expected to rise before the event is done Saturday morning at 11:30. Their goal, set back in February was set at $125,500.
