By Sandy Holinka “Relay for Life Luminaria Ceremony” is a signature, deeply moving event. The decorated luminaria are lit near dusk to honor every life touched by cancer. As we snap our glow sticks in silence, we join to light the track quietly remembering our treasured relationships, the courage it takes to fight cancer, and the hope for a cure.
The ceremony has made some changes over the years, enhancing the experience.
I started to relay in 1997. They told me to show up with my team early in the morning with an empty bean can and a change of clothes. I thought, “What did I get myself into?” So, we showed up early and went to the arena to find a large heaping amount of cold, damp sand, and scattered white bags. We were shown how much sand to put in the bags, then people took them and put a cup and a candle inside and placed them onto a trailer. We then changed and went to set up a camp.
At the magic hour we met at the trailer and were given instructions. Back then, the bags were all placed in a circle and had 2 rows in the middle. Rows were checked and double checked to be straight making sure the wicks were up and every bag had a candle. Bags were written on one side with a stamp, “In Honor” or “In Memory”, and then the name of the person.
The lighting ceremony took place silently at dusk. What a sight to see!
After the long day and night, a lot of walking, games, and entertainment, pancakes, and the amazing final closing ceremony, we poured onto the path. We were given large bags to pick up the cooled candles, cups, and bags and dump all that sand along the way.
Changes have been made since those years to improve the experience.
In 1999, I was visiting with Anita Ackerman, she was putting a little color on the bags. I asked if I could help and we were hooked. We also started to offer markers at the bingo stand to allow people to decorate their own bags they purchased the day of the relay.
As years progressed, the sand was replaced with blocks of wood. Thanks to Gary Brinks and friends, the blocks were all sanded, beveled, and a center augured to hold the candle. This allowed set up and clean up to be much easier. We could set up as an assembly line to place the bag, block, and candle very efficiently.
Due to the number of bags being decorated on the day of the relay, we now have our teams sell and decorate ahead of the day of the relay. This has been a game changer. The bags are now decorated by team members or family or friends who include stories, ribbons, memorabilia, and pictures in honor of, or memory of loved ones.
The circle was enlarged to the tarred track and is used to place the bags along the whole track - even putting in word designs like faith, family, friends, and hope. We have very patient volunteer drivers with trailers to allow us to place the bags along the path, always leaving open ends to the path signifying that there is no end to the fight.
We have had as many as 3,000 bags lit on the track. That is a lot of prayers and hugs!
The track allows many to walk, use wheelchairs, walkers, and even the golf carts that are provided (with a driver) to allow anyone to see the luminaria.
There is nothing more amazing than seeing all the bags lit and remembering all the people affected by cancer.
We could not accomplish any of this without all the great volunteers. We thank each and every one of you that has helped over the years.
This year we will gather at the 4-H building at 2:00pm on August 8th to put the bags together and place them on the track. You need not be on a team to help.
If you want to purchase a bag to decorate or have us decorate, please contact any Relay for Life team. Hope to see you at the relay on August 8th, 4:00pm ‘til 9:00pm.
