The Prince George Relay For Life will take on a new look to go with the new location when it's held this weekend.
Now in its 26th year in Prince George, it is a major fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society.
This year marks the first time it will be held at Exhibition Park, after a long stay at Masich Place Stadium. The change of venue means a new look and a festival-like atmosphere as participants gather together for a common cause - the fight against cancer.
"We are so excited to see this Relay come to life," said coordinator Aimee Cassie. "The volunteers have worked so hard to redefine and reimagine Relay in Prince George.
"It really is exciting to be a part of a new tradition in Prince George, with a real festival feel, and we proudly invite everyone to join us June 9-10 for a brand-new Relay experience."
It starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday and goes until 10 a.m. on Sunday. It remains the only 24-hour Relay For Life in Canada.
Some of the event highlights include a Survivors Victory Lap to kick things off and the always-emotional Luminary Ceremony, on Saturday at 10 p.m. The ceremony concludes with a fireworks display people won't want to miss.
From beginning to end, however, the Relay For Life will be packed with live entertainment courtesy of local bands, performers and community groups. A full lineup of activities will also be available for the young and young-at-heart.
This year's Relay - for the first time - will include a Family Fun Lane on the track. The lane will be open to participants with scooters, wagons and run bikes. For safety reasons, bicycles, rollerblades and skateboards will not be permitted in the Family Fun Lane, or on the grounds of Relay.
When hunger hits, there will be several food options on site, including a Relay For Life barbecue dinner (Saturday, 5:30 p.m.) made possible by Save-On-Foods, and a Sunday breakfast (starting at 7 a.m.) provided by long-time Relay supporter Gladys Goode and her staff of volunteers.
The move to Exhibition Park means parking will be plentiful, even for those who decide to bring RVs so they can stay overnight.
In terms of fundraising, the Prince George Relay For Life has been No. 1 in Canada four years in a row. Last year, it generated an incredible $570,000.
Money raised at Relay For Life events across the country is put toward cancer research and prevention and is used to support those who are living with the disease.
