Baker Creek Park was hopping Friday night with people, activities, music and food. The new venue for Relay for Life provided a cozy, intimate setting for the newly devised event. The Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser kicked off at 5 p.m. with opening ceremonies including local dancers, drummers, a pint-sized singer with a gallon-sized voice and special words from local dignitaries. The track events were underway shortly after 6 p.m. with the 5-km runners heading off with all the survivor well-wishers lining the track. Two RCMP officers, resplendent in their formal red serge led the survivors lap before team members, from the 19 participating teams took to the track.
The park was packed with stations including activities for children, several food vendors dispensing delicious and healthy meals to close to 300 people, healthy living demonstrations and the most amazing survivor tent where those who have beaten or are currently battling cancer could spend a little time being pampered, receive gifts of gratitude and even have a little massage. Beautifully painted rocks were also available for the taking.
“The event was well-attended and the new venue was well received,” Relay chair Deb Burton said.
“It was a great atmosphere. The entertainment was fun and the bleachers were full.”
She added the Remember Ceremony at the end of the evening was lovely, quiet and sincere.
“I am very proud and thankful to my team for their hard work. Wow, what an amazing group,” Burton said.
“I enjoyed working on Relay for Life and am very proud with how it turned out. I’m looking forward to planning Relay 2017, hopefully with even more fun, teams and dollars. Thanks to everyone who attended, donated, relayed and sponsored. Quesnel is such an amazing community.”
Quesnel’s Relay for Life 2016 raised $38,000.