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Relay for Life to be held this weekend

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Shelly Rider (left) accepts a proclamation by Prairie du Chien Mayor Dave Hemmer, declaring Aug. 1, 2015, to be Relay for Life Day in Prairie du Chien. (Photo submitted)

By Caitlin Bittner

Prairie du Chien’s Great River Relay for Life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 5 to 10 p.m.

In the past, the Great River Relay for Life has brought in over a million dollars for cancer research. “We’ve raised $1,036,051.82 to be exact,” said Mary Ann Heisz, former event co-chair. While Heisz is no longer a chair of the event, she remains synonymous with the Relay.

In the Relay’s first year, 2000, Prairie du Chien was ranked as first in the state for funds raised in its class, garnering over $82,000. The following year, Prairie du Chien achieved a national ranking of 10th, raising $115,236.

Looking back, Heisz said that she was proud of the support for the Prairie du Chien Relay. “The community is just so great. It’s such an inspiration. The money we raise is great, the physical support...now that means so much more.”

Heisz noted that the most important thing for the Relay to have is good community involvement.

This Saturday, the community is welcomed and encouraged to make its way down to the Prairie du Chien High School track to help honor those who have lost their battle with cancer and to support those whose battle continues.

The event kicks off at 4 p.m. with a survivors reception.

The public is invited to join at 5 p.m. for the opening ceremony, including the laps dedicated to survivors, sponsors and caregivers. The dessert auction begins at 6 p.m. A caregiver ceremony will be held at 7 p.m.

The Spirit of Hope and Luminaria ceremonies will begin at 9:30 p.m.

Activities that will run throughout the Relay include a bounce house, a silent auction, a bean bag tournament, tractor seat shuffle, a food stand, pony rides, bingo and line dancing.

If you’re interested in volunteering or helping out, please contact one of the Great River Relay for Life co-chairs Shelly Rider, (608) 412-0829, or Jackie Rymarz, (608) 326-7303.

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