As the Bluffton area prepares for the Relay for Life event on Friday, June 20, downtown businesses are showing their support. 

The Relay planning committee has hung shoes above store fronts. Purple is the official color for this year’s theme: Believe.

The shoes remind everyone of the battle that cancer patients face each day while fighting this disease.  The Relay for Life event format encourages everyone to “walk a mile in support of cancer research.”

The Bluffton Relay event will begin at 6 pm. with an opening ceremony at the Bluffton University football stadium. Survivors and caregivers will be recognized during the survivor lap at 6:15 p.m. The track will be open for walking by individuals and families from the community and the Relay planning committee teams. Children will be encouraged to gather pledges for the number of completed laps and everyone is welcome to donate quarters to try and line the inside of the track.

Teams may register until 6:30 p.m. on June 20 for the 4x100m relay race. Each team member will run 100meters before passing on their team’s Ribbon baton. The team fee for the 4x100 Relay will be $40.  Divisions for junior runners (under 21 years), MS/HS runners, and adults will be included.

Tickets are available for the Chicken barbecue dinner to be served from 5-7 p.m. at the stadium. The one-half half chicken, bread and sides will cost $8 each. Tickets will be available at the Relay or from any Relay committee member.

Luminaries may be ordered until 8:30 p.m. on June 20. Cost for the luminary is $5; each will be displayed either around the track or in the grandstands. The Luminary Remembrance Service will be held at dusk, followed by the lighting of each luminary.

Other activities planned for June 20 include free entertainment provided by The Flag City Cloggers, Nick Nowlan and the Bethel Church of Christ Praise Band. 

Children’s games and family parachute activities will be presented by BFR Sports & Fitness. Children’s pledge laps, silent auction, pie judging contest and chair-ity auction will be included, as well.

Saturday, June 21 morning events will include a sunrise breakfast, dog walk and closing ceremony.

For more information about the Bluffton-area Relay for Life contact Lynda Best (419-358-7593).