Time to Cowboy up: Relay for Life kickoff begins with western-themed get-together

Cancer survivors and family menbers head out of the gate at last year's Relay for Life event held at Spaulding High School (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Relay For Life of Strafford County will host a Kick Off Celebration at Smokey's Tavern on Feb. 3 in advance of their family-friendly cancer-fighting event to be held on June 22 at Spaulding High School's Hugo Bolin Field.

Anyone interested in attending the Kick Off Celebration and getting involved with the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life should RSVP to Nancy Mathis (American Cancer Society Staff Partner) at nancy.mathis@cancer.org.

There will be refreshments, games, a trivia contest with prizes and the opportunity to learn more about the mission of the Relay. The theme of this year's Relay is Give Cancer the Boot - guests attending the Kick Off event are encouraged to dress in their country western best!

The Relay For Life event will be held on June 22 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. at Spaulding High School. Relay For Life of Rochester is a 12-hour walk to raise money and awareness in the fight against cancer. People of all ages, including cancer survivors, participate in the event. The American Cancer Society takes this opportunity not just to raise the valuable funds needed for research and patient service programs for cancer patients and their families, but also, to spread the word about cancer prevention and early detection. The Strafford County Relay begins with a free lunch for cancer survivors and caregivers. Registered survivors and caregivers will receive a free t-shirt (sent after registering), a delicious meal donated by LIttle Miss Sophies and other goodies. Survivors can register by visiting the website: www.relayforlife.org/straffordNH or by calling 800-227-2345.

In celebration of this year's theme Give Cancer the Boot, the event will feature entertainment from Dance the Line, Studio 109, Sole City Dance and more. At the event, guests can take part in festive lap themes, play fun activities and games, participate in a silent auction, enjoy delicious food and more.

At dusk, the event moves into a more reflective phase where the field is lined with glowing luminary bags and participants walk the track in the quiet honoring and remembering those who have lost their battles to cancer. Closing ceremonies will conclude the event at 10 p.m.

Three Phase Line Construction is a Presenting Sponsor.

Anyone interested in learning more about the event, signing up a team, or sponsoring or donating an item to our silent auction, please contact Sarah Scheffer, event co-chair at sarah@scheffernh.com, local staff partner, Nancy Mathis at nancy.mathis@cancer.org