The 2018 Relay for Life event is scheduled for May 18 at Rivers Edge North in Roanoke City from 6 p.m. until midnight.

This year’s Virginia’s Blue Ridge Relay for Life is a combined event including the Vinton, Roanoke, and Botetourt communities.

The theme for 2018 is “Hoping for a Holiday”—a holiday from cancer. Community Development Manager for the American Cancer Society Southeast Region Aprille Kelly said there will be holiday-themed Relay laps and games. There will be Bouncy houses and activities for children provided by Journey Church, along with live entertainment from DJ Scotty Scott and the Elder Young Band throughout the evening.

Several Relay teams will be hosting food and raffle fundraisers onsite at the event.

There will also be a silent auction at the event along with several vendors who will be selling items to raise money for the cause. One notable prize is Taylor Swift concert tickets.

“We are so excited about this ‘new’ event and all the communities coming together to help continue in the fight against cancer,” said Kelly.

Relay for Life events help the American Cancer Society fund life-saving cancer research, patient support services, prevention and education information, and detection and treatment programs.

Several Vinton Relay teams have raised significant funds already— the Flower Children ($11,325) and William Byrd High School Cheerleading ($4,862), along with We Are Thrasher, the Lancerlot, and the Town of Vinton Strong Striders teams.

Former Vinton Relay for Life Co-chairs Carolyn Williams and Angie Chewning are members of the Event Leadership Team planning for this year’s Relay.

The annual Survivor’s Reception was held at the Vinton War Memorial on May 4 with dinner, door prizes, live entertainment, and a flag retirement ceremony.