Relay for Life on Friday

By FAITH MOLDAN

Bigfork Eagle

Bigfork's 3rd Annual Relay For Life kicks off at 6 p.m. July 20 at the Bigfork High School track.

The event continues to grow, according to Event Chair Diane Kautzman, as does the goal for money raised. This year's goal is $80,000, about $2,000 more than last year's goal. As of July 16, $37,000 had already been raised. Donations will be accepted through August 31.

Three hundred seventy-four participants on 26 teams, and 113 survivors are signed up to participate and more are welcome to join up until the start of the relay. The number of survivors signed up for this year's relay is down from last year's numbers.

"They can show up and join a team or go to the Web site and join a team online," Kautzman said. The relay's Web address is www.acsevents.org/faf/home.

The relay, which has many of the same activities and entertainment as last year, runs until 8 a.m. July 21. Raffle tickets will be sold until midnight for items such as four rounds of 18 holes with cart at Eagle Bend Golf Club, multiple gift baskets, a $250 gift certificate from Bridge Street Cottages, two copies of the new Harry Potter book and other items.

"Everyone has donated that we've asked," Kautzman said.

There will also be a relay store on site.

Pam and C.R. Leisinger will perform again this year. Predacter Project will entertain the participants at 7 p.m. and the Bad Larrys at 12:30 a.m. Locks of Love also returns this year. This portion of the event was new last year and a large success with the hair cut off going to create hairpieces for financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.

Participants can set up their sites starting at 12 p.m.. Kautzman advises them to bring plenty of sunscreen and water to beat the heat and high temperatures. She also reminds participants that tents and canopies cannot be held down with stakes. Instead, she said, they should use jugs of water, cinder blocks or anything else heavy that won't damage the grass. Campers must be parked by the track and football field by 3 p.m.