Hardin park was alive this Saturday as our community came together to “blast cancer” with the Audrain County Relay for Life. 

The evening kicked off early with a “soft opening”, around 4 p.m., when food trucks such as The Munch Box and Bucky’s Sit ‘n Get started lining up on S. Washington st. In the park, vendors and relay teams were hard at work setting up their booths for the evening. 

Monica’s Dancers kept relay for lifers entertained during the soft opening with a performance to Michael Jackson’s, “Man in the Mirror” followed by a performance by Kevin Nance. 

By 6 p.m. the 28th annual Relay for Life was ready to get underway starting with an opening prayer led by Rev. J.A. McGlaun of the New Covenant Baptist Church. Friends Fighting as One team member Bill Reid presented the flag with the Centralia VFW for the pledge of allegiance led by Caden Smith and Abriana Lynch, which was followed by a 21-gun salute. 

This event would not have been possible without Misty Frank, chairperson of the Audrain County Relay for life and the event leadership team: George Judy, Bill Reid, Chris Crawford, Nancy Early, Teresa Jones, Linda Reid, Brenda Prater, Susan Paden, Lori Love and senior development manager Joy Shawley.

“I greatly appreciate everybody’s help this year. We couldn’t have done any of this without you all.” says Frank.

Audrain County Relay Teams included: Friends Fighting as One, Cancer Crusaders, Girls Night Out, St. Brendan’s Navigators, Graf’s, Century 21, Pin Oaks, Kick Cancer to the Curb, Moose is Loose, Baptist Homes, Tri County and a new team,  Barb’s Family and Friends Survivors.

Barb’s Family and Friends Survivors sold homemade baked goods at their booth at their very first relay Saturday.

“My mom found out she had cancer a year ago and something she wanted to do was just give back to the community and to the Relay for Life.” says Jennifer Parrott. 

After team announcements, it was time for the survivors speakers, a longstanding tradition of Relay for Life opening ceremonies. Elizabeth Gilman and her little sister Rachel delivered the heartwarming tribute to the Hope Lodge in St. Louis. 

The Echos kept Relay for Lifers entertained through the evening as they mingled, enjoyed delicious bites and visited team booths to see what they had to offer. 

Dedicated luminaria bags were spread throughout the park, lining the walkways, honoring those who are fighting cancer and remembering those who fought. Seeing all the loved ones being honored in this small town truly makes you appreciate Relay for Life for what it is; a chance to remember and a call to join the fight to blast out cancer. 

For more photos, see The Mexico Ledger’s online photo galleries.