The luminaria lined the interior perimeter of the Guthrie County Fairgrounds’ Event Center Friday evening for the annual Relay For Life of Guthrie County.  The yearly event rallying to find cures for cancer drew a large crowd of cancer survivors and those remembering lost loved ones. This year’s theme was “Camping Out to Kick Cancer.”

While many traditional elements of the relay remained in tact, one big change was the location. Senior Community Manager and Guthrie County spokesperson Kim Durst tells Raccoon Valley Radio the move to the fairgrounds was well received. “It’s just been an awesome turnout and I’ve had so many survivors come up to me and thank not only me but our committee for coming up with this idea of moving it inside…They (the committee) wanted to make sure most importantly that the survivors were comfortable and that’s when they came up with this idea.”

Durst also talks about her inspiration behind helping put this event together every year. “I started relaying with my mom. It will be 20 years ago next year…We come out here in memory of my mom and so we just want to continue to fight cancer in her memory.”

After the annual ceremonies and evening entertainment, the night finished with an overnight campout under the stars at the Fairgrounds campground. Raccoon Valley Radio was also present to assist with the event. We played live music and gave announcements during the early evening festivities and opening ceremonies.