LOCK HAVEN- The annual Clinton County Relay for Life will be held at Riverview Park from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 31. And everyone is invited to participate in the event which will include vendors, games, presentations, a Tai Chi demonstration, speakers, music, Bark for Life, a segment focusing on fundraising for child cancer, and much more.

A local motivational speaker will be one of the highlights of the event.

His name is Willard Barth, who grew up in Lock Haven and at age 8 had cancer and lost a leg. He went on to become an athlete in the Keystone Central School District. After graduation, he developed a career as a national motivational speaker. Willard has agreed to donate his services for this event and will speak at 10:30 a.m. tentatively.

This year's theme is movies. The Dems Kick Cancer team has chosen Alice in "Wonderland" and it's expected there will be many equally enticing and fun themes chosen by the teams, according to Roxanne Embick, who is in charge of this year's Relay.

Another exciting event during the Relay is Bark for Life at 4 p.m., to honor and celebrate the lifelong contributions of canine caregivers to cancer patients.

This event empowers the community and their canine caregivers to take a stand against cancer.

"Our fur buddies are so important to recovery. They know when you need a pick-me-up and when to lay next to you when you're feeling bad. This is a great way to honor them and support the American Cancer Society," said Embick.

The American Cancer Society's childhood cancer initiative, Gold Together employers and individuals raise funds that directly support research, education, advocacy, and services, as well as promote cancer prevention efforts that could reduce children's risk for cancer later in life.

Cora's Crew is the #GoldTogether Team for Relay for Life in Clinton County.

"Our family has been affected by childhood cancer. That is why we Relay and why we have become a #GoldTogetherTeam," said Elaine Strouse, team captain. "We would like to honor childhood cancer survivors at the Relay For Life event."

The Gold Together movement was created by childhood brain cancer survivors and Relay For Life volunteer Cole Eicher, whose dream is to have a Gold Together team at every Relay for Life event. His vision is to raise childhood cancer awareness, support families facing childhood cancer and connect those families to a lifetime of resources through the American Cancer Society.

The Clinton County Relay for Life event is part of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life movement, which is the world's largest peer-to-peer fundraising event to save lives from cancer. At Relay For Life events, participants celebrate people who have been touched by cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action for lifesaving change.

Money raised helps ACS fund and conduct breakthrough research and gives cancer patients and their families the resources they need, like free rides to chemo, free places to stay near hospitals, and a live 24/7 helpline for answers and support. If this year's Bark For Life event is a success, it will become an annual event at Relay For Life.

Learn more about Bark For Life and other ways to get involved with the Relay For Life movement by contacting Embick at 570-660-1907 or by visiting RelayForLife.org/PAClintonCounty.

Relay for Life Calendar of Events

July 31, 2021

Riverview Park

10 a.m. - Opening Ceremony

10:15 a.m. - Survivor Lap

10:30 a.m. -Speaker Willard Barth (tentative)

Musical selection "Clouds"- Jenn Meanor accompanied by keyboard

11:40 a.m. - Team Lap

Noon - Tai Chi Demonstration

1 p.m. - Haven Performing Arts Dance Team

2 p.m. - Giant Kickball Game

3 p.m. - Full Body Health and Fitness - Dance Fitness with Lori Hoy, coach/instructor

3:30 p.m. - Lip Sync Battle, sign up with DJ by 2 p.m.

4 p.m. - Bark for Life Presentation about cancer in pets, pets as caregivers by Dr. Ashley Munro of Oak Hollow Animal Hospital.

5 p.m. - Live music by Jason Brown and Joel Long.

6 p.m. - Relay Parade of Cool Cars; bring a bag to catch some candy.

7 p.m. - Movie (TBD)

9 p.m. - Luminaria Ceremony and Silent Lap in honor of or in memory of our loved one who fought cancer.

9:45 p.m. - Closing Ceremony