www.mybaycity.com May 22, 2016
Community Article 10444


Both Boy Scout Troop #150 and John Glenn Girls chanted their support to stop cancer, while marching their way around Wenonah Park. (MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Relay for Life - Celebrating Life

May 21st Event a Huge Success

May 22, 2016
By: John Keuvelaar


Wenonah Park was the venue for this year's Bay City Relay for Life. Starting with the pancake breakfast, hundreds gathered throughout the day to celebrate the lives of those who have been touched by this terrible disease and strive to help find the cure. While the day is full of positive energy, it is the evening presentation that really brings into focus the impact this event has on everyone.


Several kinds of jewelry were for sale all to raise money to fight cancer.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


Some vendors brought out some of their handmade seasonal gifts to help in donating to the cause.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)



Boy Scout Troop #105 marches through on their pink canoe.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


People were able to take a swing at an old car to show support the fight against cancer.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

The pancake breakfast started the day off well as workers, supporters and event participants gather for a hot meal and good fellowship. Sponsors begin to set up their tents and stations for the day's activities and it all kicks off the celebration.



Several Bay County schools helped out at the event.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


Different kinds of baked goodies were offered at the Relay event.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


Tables were packed with items donated to the silent auction.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

Wenonah Park is such an inspiring venue and the weather made it even more so as warm temperatures, a flowing river, and well-wishers full of merriment filled the venue. The Boy Scout Troup 150 with their "canoe" and the John Glenn girls waving their pirate flag added spirited youthful chanting throughout the day. There was "car bashing" for cancer, high school participants, pirates and many other such supporters. And if things got out of hand, Bay City Public Safety was there to provide a lock-up and even Kozy Bail Bond to help set them free. And of great importance was the opportunity to purchase luminary bags to decorate and honor those who have personally experienced cancer. Music and inspirational speakers dotted the day from the stage reminding us of what this event is about.



Judge John Keuvelaar talks with some of the volunteers at the Relay for Life.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


Caitlyn Keuvelaar proudly shows off her survivor bag.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


Even through the early evening the activity was high at Wenonah Park.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)


The pathways of Wenonah were lit showing all those whom were affected by cancer.
(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)



(MyBayCity Photo by John Keuvelaar)

As the sun set, the luminaries were lit thus bringing a spiritual moment to the message at hand. The message is of Hope and Celebration. Lines of lit luminaries lit the way of hope and celebration as one by one all ascend onto the hill and area in front of the stage for the Luminaria Ceremony.

A John Glenn senior told of first hearing of her younger brother being diagnosed with cancer, the loss, and the hope. Then with stage lights off, all those whose lives have been touched by cancer raised their glow sticks in a showing of support to each other and how we don't go through this alone.

It was a very moving experience. Finally, the names of those who have lost their lives to cancer AND those who have survived were scrolled on a screen for all to see and remember. Relay for Life is about Hope and Celebration. Let's keep those candles burning bright.


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