Relay for Life begins Friday with 2 new events

SHELBY — The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life kicks off Friday afternoon at the Shelby High School Athletic Field with two new events.

The inaugural Oceana County Cancer Relay Parade begins Friday at 4 p.m. in downtown Shelby. The 2014 Relay Royalty, King Thomas Beyer and Queen Phyllis Schlee, will be the highlight of the parade. Both Beyer and Schlee are cancer survivors.

All cancer survivors are invited to be a part of the court by contacting Sheryl Sallgren at 231-742-0397. There will be a luncheon with live music at 5 p.m. for all survivors at the survivor tent at the field. The survivor lap will begin at 6:30 p.m. Cancer survivors who have not yet registered may do so Friday at the Relay Registration Tent at the field.

Another new event will bring more fun and excitement. An Elvis impersonator will perform a concert Friday at 7 p.m. at the Relay for Life site. Everyone is invited to attend and enjoy music and dancing by Elvis, Jay Dykla of Grand Rapids. Jay, who has performed in Las Vegas, has generously donated his time to entertain in memory of Jerry Dennert and in honor of Oceana County Relay for Life. The concert is free, and donations will be accepted.

Relay for Life is an organized, overnight community fundraising walk in which teams of people camp out around the track. Teams take turns walking around the track, and food, games and activities provide entertainment and build camaraderie. It is a family-friendly environment for the entire community

Relay for Life runs 24 hours from Friday at 4 p.m. to Saturday at 4 p.m.