Community Corner
Weather Impacts Major Weekend Cancer Fundraiser
Walkers from Farmington Valley towns and West Hartford are participating in the 'Relay for Life,' which was moved to Sunday.
Farmington Valley Relay for Life
AVON, CT — An iffy weather forecast for Saturday has forced organizers of the Farmington Valley Relay for Life event, which will raise thousands for cancer research, to change its schedule.
Once planned as a 24-hour walk Saturday into Sunday, the event will now take place on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., organizers wrote Thursday.
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More than 2,500 walkers from the Farmington Valley and West Hartford have signed on to walk the track at 99 Thompson Road in Avon, which is a town-owned recreation area.
"Given the forecast and expectation we have received that it will rain and potentially thunder, we have made the decision to postpone Relay For Life until Sunday, June 1," wrote event officials.
Find out what's happening in Avonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"This was a difficult decision, one we made two years ago and had a successful event. We hope you can attend and adjust your schedule accordingly."
Despite the shift in schedule, nearly all of what was planned during the event will still happen.
Now in its 25th year, the American Cancer Society’s marquee community fundraiser, "Relay for Life,"has a goal of raising $500,000 in celebration of its milestone anniversary.
To date, the Farmington Valley Relay for Life has raised $6.5 million towards cancer research and patient support services in Connecticut, including rides to treatment, and free lodging at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodges.
Participants take turns walking the track for continuous representation from each team.
Additional activities include ongoing entertainment, and moving ceremonies, including a celebratory Survivor Lap honoring those who have fought and won their battle, followed by a luncheon, as well as a moving Luminaria Ceremony honoring those who have lost their battle to cancer.
This year’s carnival theme will add to the festivities with circus-themed performers, carnival games, a DJ, dancing, costume competitions, food trucks, and more.
Sponsors are also present with special exclusive opportunities to engage with participants.
For more information on the Farmington Valley Relay for Life, click on this link.
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