PHOTOS BY RON BAILEY
Barstow, MD – Saturday, June 13 proved to be another memorable day for Relay For Life of Calvert County. In the event’s nearly 20-year history several different venues have served as the relay location. After a few years at Hallowing Point Park, Calvert’s Relay For Life went east a few paces to the Calvert County Fairgrounds.
Additionally, for the first time in its history, the main event started in the early afternoon and concluded at 2 a.m. the next morning.
Relay raises money for the American Cancer Society, which uses the funds for its programs and services, research and education. The 2015 Relay For Life of Calvert County has raised, to date, $101,197.
According to Calvert Relay’s web site, the top teams at this year’s event were Friends for Life, which raised $8,065; Bright Beginnings, which brought in $6,751; and Huntingtown Heroes, which raised $6,675. Over 70 teams participated.
The top fundraising participants were Brenda Suchter ($4,711), Angela Figueiras ($4,633) and Sarah Merranko ($2,153). Over 650 people participated.
While cancer is an excruciating ordeal for patients, their families and friends, Relay For Life always includes many festive, fun and entertaining components.
This year, the annual Survivors Luncheon was served two hours before the opening ceremonies. Following the ceremonies, the promenade around the fairgrounds began with the Survivor Lap, followed by the Parade of Teams. Other lap “themes” included Super Hero and Princes, Beach, Sports Team, Toga, Conga Line, Creating More Birthdays, Pajama and Final.
Musical entertainment was provided by Rockin’ Elvis and the bands Bungalow, 7 Streets to Nowhere and Brass Consortium.
Competitions during Relay included a hula hoop contest, Cheetos Toss, corn hole competition, the Lip Sync Challenge and the Miss Relay Contest.
The always sobering Luminaria Ceremony, honoring the memories of those who succumbed to cancer, was held after dusk.
Enjoy the gallery of images compiled by The Bay Net’s photojournalist Ron Bailey of the 2015 Calvert County Relay For Life.
For more information visit www.RelayForLife.org/CalvertMD
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
