CLEARFIELD, PA — The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Central Clearfield County returns on Saturday, May 17, inviting the public to come together for a full day of remembrance, celebration, and community support at the Clearfield County Fairgrounds from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
This annual event brings together families, survivors, caregivers, and advocates in the fight against cancer. The day will feature live entertainment, children’s activities, a variety of food and craft vendors, and moving ceremonies to honor those affected by cancer.
The Opening Ceremony will begin at 12:00 p.m., with the national anthem performed by Nicolette Maines and a patriotic presentation by the Clearfield VFW Color Guard, American Legion Post 6, and members of VVA Chapter 974. Kenn Staub, an American Cancer Society Voices of Hope speaker, will deliver remarks. The ceremony will also recognize participating teams and sponsors for their dedication to the cause.
This year marks a significant milestone for Relay For Life, with a special 40th anniversary celebration scheduled for 2:00 p.m. honoring four decades of impact in the fight against cancer.
Live performances will take place throughout the day, including youth showcases from Starlettes School of Dance at 12:30 p.m. and Touch of Gold Twirling at 3:00 p.m. At 4:30 p.m., local singer-songwriter Spencer Graham will take the stage, performing selections from his newly released album Reasons to Smile, which he dedicated to his late mother, whom he lost to colon cancer in 2019. The evening will continue with Nostalgia, a five-piece band playing beloved hits from the 1940s through the 1970s, starting at 7:30 p.m.
Cancer survivors and their caregivers are invited to attend a Survivor Dinner at 5:00 p.m., followed by a Survivor Ceremony and Lap at 6:30 p.m. Special guest speaker Ruth Stricek will share her story. The American Cancer Society recognizes a person with cancer as a survivor from the moment of diagnosis.
One of the most moving parts of the event will be the Luminaria Ceremony at 7:00 p.m., during which personalized luminaria bags are illuminated. These bags, decorated with names, messages, and photos, honor those lost to cancer, as well as survivors and those currently fighting the disease. Luminaria will be available for purchase at the event or in advance at RelayForLife.org/centralclearfield.
The event will also feature more than twenty local artisan and craft vendors and an array of food trucks including Hilda’s Just Good Food, Stromboli Land, Marta’s Wednesday Pierogies, Brown Bunny Candy Co., Kent’s Concessions, Dimmick’s Roadway Café, Whittle Waffles, The Spud Bus, J&C Brick Oven Pizza, Schonwalder Place, and Positive Energy Drinks. Food trucks and vendor booths will be open from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Families can enjoy a Kids Zone sponsored by CNB Bank, open from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., featuring games, inflatables, and a touch-a-truck experience.
Each year, more than 250,000 participants take part in Relay For Life events across the country, raising critical funds and awareness in the fight against cancer. Since its founding in 1985, Relay For Life has raised over $6.8 billion to support the American Cancer Society’s mission to end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Organizers invite the community to attend the Relay For Life of Central Clearfield County and help make a lasting difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. For more information or to get involved, visit www.relayforlife.org/centralclearfield.
