Today (Friday) marks the official start of Summer. It’s also the day for the 15th Annual Cass County version of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event, which takes place this evening, from 6-until 10-p.m., at the Atlantic High School Track. Carole Schuler, Chair of the Cass County Relay for Life, says it’s a way to support cancer survivors and remember those who have lost their lives to cancer. Schuler says that support can come in many different ways. She says the community can show its support by simply walking around the track, buying a sandwich, or just sitting in the stands.

Schuler says while it’s too late to become a member of a Relay For Life team to raise money for cancer research, it’s not too late to participate in the event, and that’s especially true for cancer survivors. Anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer for any length of time, is invited to the track at 4:30-p.m. for a free meal for that person and a family member from Hy-Vee. Wheelchairs are available for those who want to take a trip around the track. Survivors may also place a candle on a huge cupcake to show the number of years they have survived.

Activities for the Relay for Life start this morning at 8-o’clock with a Tractor Ride, which begins at the Cass County Fairgrounds. There’s also a tractor show at Hy-Vee, which gets underway at 2:30 p.m. All the other activities will be held at the Atlantic High School Track, including the serving of food, starting at 5-p.m., thanks to the Kiwanis & CJ’s Barbeque. Schuler says while they’ve had a cancer Education Tent for the past few years, this year they’re placing a special emphasis on education, to try and improve peoples’ lives and prevent cancer.

The tent opens at 5:30 p.m. There will be water available, and you can pick up a ribbon for the “Colors of Cancer” Theme Lap, which begins at 7:20-p.m., and features a door prize at the end. The Survivors Lap begins at 6:00 p.m. Entertainment, in the form of the Sheltered-Reality Drum Corps, kids games and a YMCA bounce house, begins at 6:30 p.m. There will also be vocal presentations every 10-minutes by Sara Masker, Rachel Bown, Amy Mardesen, starting at 7:30 p.m., and a performance by Dance Atlantic, at 8:00 p.m. A Don McCunn Memorial with special presentation by Bev Groves, will take place at 9-p.m., and the Luminaries surrounding the track in remembrance of those lost to cancer, will be lit at around 9:20 p.m.

All funds from the Cass County Relay for Life will go to the American Cancer Society to continue its programs of research, education, advocacy and service to cancer patients. Last year the event raised $74,000.