Get Ready for Solon Relay for Life

As the 2012 Solon Relay for Life approaches, event co-chair Shari Singer hopes to dispel a misconception.

"You don't have to be a participant to attend," she said. "People always think they have to be pre-registered, but the community is invited to attend."

Potential visitors certainly have enough time to attend — the event runs from 5 p.m. Friday to 11 a.m. on Saturday. It will be held at stadium, beginning with the Survivor Ceremony, where cancer survivors are honored for their courage. Survivors also receive dinner for themselves and one guest, sponsored by .

Relay for Life is an American Cancer Society event where people camp out the stadium overnight to raise money to find a cure for the disease. Solon's Relay features 25 teams whose members will take turns walking the track throughout the night. Some teams, like Solon Safety Forces and Solon Women's Club, will feature some familiar faces. Others simply have cool names like "Wild Thaangs."

Singer said teams have already raised $33,000 for cancer this year, and she hopes that amount will increase significantly.

"When people come, we have food for sale, games and activities," she said. "There's a lot of different ways to support the cause when you're there."

There will also be a silent auction with prizes like sporting event tickets and gift certificates to area restaurants. Since teams need to raise $100 in order to register, it won't be easy to form another team, but it can be done. Visit the Solon Relay for Life website for more information. Some people who register before the event will simply write a check for $100 instead of trying to raise the funds, Singer said.

"It's a great partnership between students and people in the community coming together to raise money to find a cure," Singer said. "You'll see all ages and they're all joined together for a common cause."

Click on the PDF icon for a schedule of Relay for Life events.