By By JOHN DILMORE JR. Publisher
The Brewton area will do its part in the fight against cancer Friday night when 12 teams representing local businesses and institutions -- as well as many friends and supporters -- converge on the T.R. Miller High School track to walk and run in Relay for Life.
Relay for Life is an activity of the American Cancer Society designed to remember those lost to cancer and honor those who've survived it, while at the same time heightening awareness and raising funds.
Members of the participating teams will take turns walking and running around the track throughout the night and into the early morning hours Saturday.
Businesses and institutions with teams participating in this year's relay are: Southern Pine; Saint Maurice/St. Stevens; Brewton Sportsman's Club; Citation-Brewton; Merle Norman; Jefferson Davis Community College; Brewton Elementary School; BankTrust of Brewton; Covenant Hospice/MedSouth/Oncology Radiation; D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital; Smurfit Stone; and Wal-Mart.
Beginning Friday afternoon, prior to the actual Relay, the T.R. Miller track and surrounding area will be alive with activity. Participants will mark the field and set up gathering places to begin with.
Then, at 5:30, there will be a reception held for cancer survivors.
The opening ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m.
These will include prayer, singing of the National Anthem, and songs of inspiration sung by Erica and Dietrich Bondurant.
Each year, the Relay features a guest speaker whose life has been touched by cancer. This year's speaker will be Beth Billy, of Brewton.
Teams will begin walking immediately following the opening ceremonies.
Later, at 9 p.m., a luminary service will be held in remembrance of those lost to cancer. This includes candles that are lit in memory of lost loved ones.
Throughout the event, activities and variations are planned, including the T.R. Miller seniors performing scenes from the musical Grease. There will also be musical aerobics, a womanless beauty pageant, a scavenger hunt and a pajama walk.
Corporate sponsors for this year's relay are Southern Pine Electric Cooperative, BankTrust of Brewton, Smurfit Stone, Hines Realty and D.W. McMillan Memorial Hospital.