Michelle Watson and Patty Allee, Lewis County Relay For Life co-chairs, pose with American Cancer Society community development manager Angie Coulter under the Relay arch at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds on Friday.
A steady drizzle didn’t dampen the festive mood Friday as participants made their way into the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds for the Lewis County Relay For Life.
Relayers set up their tents around the track, where walkers were set to make their laps this weekend to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Upbeat music played over loudspeakers as volunteers mingled and prepared for another year’s event.
“Just over the course of a few hours, the place has filled up,” said event co-chair Patty Allee.
Many of the volunteers set up “survivor chairs” near their tents, decorated seats that will be used to collect donations. The winner will be the one that brings in the most money.
A kids’ area awaited the youngsters who showed up to Relay, with a full slate of youth activities set for the weekend. In Hope Alley, Relayers posted sticky notes with their reasons for participating. The Hope Garden featured pinwheels with the names of volunteers.
On the stage, volunteers were readying for a live performance from Backfire Band. And everyone was prepared for the pending Friday evening highlight.
“I’m really excited about the fireworks,” said American Cancer Society community development manager Angie Coulter.
Coulter was attending Lewis County’s Relay for the first time, while Allee has been at the local event for more than 30 years.
“It’s been great seeing people come back,” Allee said. “I’m seeing people who haven’t been back in six or seven years.”
