Williamson: Relay for Life something different this year

If you’re a veteran of the Roosevelt County Relay for Life, be prepared for something entirely different when this annual event takes place from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday at the Roosevelt County fairgrounds.

link Betty Williamson

If you’ve never gone before (confession time: that includes me), this could be the year to give it a try.

Perhaps you have shared my misconception that it was necessary to be on a team to take part. Wrong. While more than two dozen teams have signed up to participate, all activities — and there is a full slate — are wide open to the public.

In fact, this event can’t succeed without plenty of people showing up at the fairgrounds.

I’m hesitant to use the phrase “something for everyone,” but the planners for Saturday’s event have come darned close.

Co-chair Mark Clark wisely tapped his mother, Karen Clark, to brainstorm activities. (Another reason for my interest: If Karen is involved with an event, I know it will be entertaining.)

From the opening ceremonies at 10 a.m., led by the Portales High School band, all the way through the luminaria ceremony set for 9 that evening, the public is invited to come out for any or all of the day.

Many of the activities will be held outdoors, but will be relocated into the events center should Mother Nature decide to enthusiastically attend.

Karen tells me to expect a fair atmosphere with games for all ages, live auctions, a petting zoo, a cupcake walk, water slides, live music, a double-elimination volleyball tournament (grab five friends and you, too, can enter), tug-of-war competitions with local law enforcement members … even a “hottest fireman” contest between good-natured Portales firefighters Andrew Bernal, Hugh Frank and Gary Rains.

Vendors will be on hand peddling a full menu of fair food. If you overdo it, no worries: the team from the Causey Fire Department will be there to monitor your blood pressure.

There is no up-front admission, but, much like a school carnival, there will be numerous locations selling $1 tickets that can be used to participate in the various team-sponsored activities. This is, after all, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

As Karen noted, the money you spend that day is “not an expense, but a gift.”

For a complete schedule, visit

relayforlife.org/portales.nm

Questions may be directed to the co-chairs, Julie Miller at 575-760-0526 and Mark Clark at 575-607-5692.

Betty Williamson tips her hat to good people working for good causes. You may reach her at:

[email protected]