Relay for Life returns to Rialto Aug. 27

Rialto is set to honor cancer survivors, remember those that have lost the battle and raise funds for those continuing their fight during the annual Relay for Life.

This year’s event is set Aug. 27 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Rialto Middle School, 1262 West Rialto Ave.

The day starts off with registration and a Survivor’s Breakfast around 8 a.m., followed by opening ceremonies and the first round around the track at 10 a.m. for the Patriotic Lap.

Festivities continue throughout the day with music, entertainment, performances from dance groups and some karaoke fun.

Adding to this year’s relay will be a Touch-a-Truck event, a static display of rigs, fire engines, dump trucks and all big things that go, in the parking of the school. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Several booths will have displays and resource information available regarding all types of cancers and support services available locally.

Team registration for the event is still open and organizers are encouraging survivors to attend and participate in a lap to celebrate their victory over cancer.

Among other highlights will be the Luminaria Ceremony at 9 p.m. Luminaries will begin to glow, lighting the track helping participants remember loved ones lost to cancer, support those who currently have cancer, and to honor those who fought cancer in the past. The ceremony aims to provide an opportunity for people to work through grief and find hope.

So far, nearly 30 teams have registered for this year’s event raising more than $10,800.

But Delynda Kobbe, one of this year’s Rialto Relay for Life organizers, said it isn’t about the amount raised, but rather the outreach, education, and support that matters.

“Our thought is that we always hope to raise a dollar more than we did the year before, but most importantly, to highlight and show our support and help educate the community about local resources,” she said. “As a whole, we want people to come out and embrace the community event and understand that cancer doesn’t just affect an individual, but affects all loved ones. We (as a community) are the cancer fighters and our hope is a cure.”

Registration for Relay for Life Rialto is still open and more information is available at www.relayforlife.org/rialtoca.