In 1995, nine relay teams took part in the gathering. The 1999 Relay for Life boasts 32 teams, up from 27 last year. Only 15 participants took part in the starting year's cancer survivors' lap. But for Relay for Life committee member Regina Anderson, the atmosphere of the latest gathering was as pleasing as any of the numbers. The relay is meant to be a celebration of cancer survivorship.
People come to raise money to fight cancer.
Team members take turns walking or running the track, keeping one member on the track at all times during the 18-hour event. Intermingled with the walk is entertainment, food, prizes and a night of camping. There's more campsites, more decorations, more activities, like raffle tickets and preparing food. Entertainment helps the 18 hours pass quickly. This year it included singing, taekwondo demonstrations, a puppet show, a dunking board and games.