Purple Bows Mean Relay for Life is Coming to Hackettstown

Hackettstown is looking rather purple lately.

The big purple bows lining Main Street's lamps are there in celebration of Relay for Life coming to town on May 31. But they also serve as a reminder of many upcoming milestones, including the 160th "birthday" of Hackettstown, the 100th anniversary of the Hackettstown Free Public Library and Women's Club and the 100th anniversary of the American Cancer Society.

“On May 22, the American Cancer Society celebrates 100 years of saving lives from cancer and creating a world with more birthdays. It’s the progress we’ve made together – as a community, as volunteers, as survivors and as leaders – that has helped us reach this incredible milestone with tremendous success,” Jennifer Romer, special events manager at the American Cancer Society, said. 

Local Relay for Life events are sponsored annually across the country. The Hackettstown event, which will be overnight, will be held at the Field of Dreams in Independence Township this year "representing the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated," according to a press release for the event. Activities will be held from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The Hackettstown event will include a run/walk, face-painting, dancing, games and more. 

There is still time for local residents to sign up to participate on a team or volunteer. For more information, call 1-800-227-2345, email jennifer.romer@cancer.org or visit the Hackettstown Relay for Life page.