Bath County’s Relay for Life kicks off with a performance by Chris Cauley

Bath County’s Relay for Life is coming up on Saturday.   Along with the fun, food and traditions of Relay come some new events this year too.

Cara Major is on the Relay for Life Committee in Bath County.

“We’re going to kick off Relay on Friday, the 15^th of August, with a concert at the Ski Lodge at The Homestead and that will feature Chris Cauley from NBC’s The Voice,” says Major.  “And Chris is a Bath County native.  That concert will be from 6pm until 11pm.  Contact any committee member to get a ticket for that.  We encourage everyone to bring their lawn chair and enjoy a great night of music not only by Chris, but from local artists as well.”

Last year Bath’s Relay for Life raised over $37,000 and that’s the goal again this year.  So far almost $31,000 has been raised. 

“We will have the luminaries,” says Major.  “Those are currently on sale as well, $10 each.  And that ceremony will take place at sundown on Saturday, August 16^th , at Relay.  As part of our luminary ceremony this year, weather permitting, we do plan to have a lantern release as well to finish out that ceremony.  And the lanterns are on sale for $15 and you can purchase one of those in memory of, or in honor of, someone who has had cancer.  And then if it is not too dry and the wind is not blowing, we will set those off while the lights are still out as part of the luminary ceremony.  We also have basket alley.  All those baskets are currently at the BB&T in Hot Springs.  You can buy raffle tickets there for those or you can purchase them the day of Relay. ”  

Bath’s Relay for Life is this Saturday, August 16^th, from 11am to 11pm, rain or shine, at the Bath County High School football field.

“We will have many events taking place throughout the day,” says Major.  “We will have some local musicians including Jerry Liptrap, Fishers of Men, Claire King, EricWoodzell and Allison Kincaid.  We’ll have Minute to Win It competitions.  We’ll have raffles and great food.”

This year there are eight Relay for Life teams and over 180 participants that have been working to raise money.  

“I enjoy the fellowship with everyone that’s supporting the same cause,” says Major. “Everyone has their own story, their own reason, why Relay is near and dear to their heart.  And to hear those stories, to support the survivors and we’re all working towards the same mission of finding a cure for cancer.”

For more information about the Bath County Relay for Life, call Amanda Hazelwood at 540- 968-2562.