The Blair County Relay For Life is never a grim affair, far from it — the “Marga-RELAY-ville” themed program will be a joyful recognition of cancer survivors and an opportunity to remember loved ones who have passed away, according to event co-chair Sue Boland.

According to Boland, the goal is to “fight back against this disease.”

The 2024 edition of the relay will take place at Mansion Park Stadium on June 8 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., a change from the 24-hour format of previous years.

Boland said event organizers made the switch to a more condensed itinerary for the 30th annual relay after much discussion, and the realization that they could fit all of their planned activities into the shorter timeframe.

Since the number of relay participants usually declines after 2 a.m., Boland said, organizers wanted to avoid the “empty” appearance overnight, and instead focus on having a more robust attendance in the 12-hour daytime program.

Preparations for the relay begin a year in advance, she said, with the organizing committee holding two meetings a month leading up to the day of the event.

The event itinerary is designed to represent a cancer patient’s journey from diagnosis, through the “dark side” and on to recovery, Boland said.

Beginning at 10 a.m. with welcome messages presented by event organizers and 2024 relay ambassador Michelle Cox, the relay will officially commence once Cox lights the ceremonial flame of the event.

Then, relay participants are invited to take part in a number of different themed laps around the track, which may include PJ laps, crazy hat laps and “wear the most purple” laps, Boland said.

Dinner is served at 5 p.m., courtesy of Olive Garden and Sam’s Club, followed by the main ceremony at 7 p.m. The ceremony will include a number of presenters, including a more in-depth speech by Cox breaking down her full cancer journey.

Afterward, the “survivor lap” is followed by the most somber moment of the night — the luminaria ceremony. This is where relay participants may light a paper lantern in memory of a loved one lost to cancer.

According to Boland, the luminaria ceremony is a way for the community to come together and share a time of reflection.

“It’s a very moving moment,” Boland said.

The closing ceremony and final lap will bring the relay to close at 10 p.m., after the luminaria ceremony.

This year’s theme is “Marga-RELAY-ville,” in honor of Cox’s habit of wearing Jimmy Buffet and Margaritaville shirts during her cervical cancer treatment process.

According to Boland, relay participants are matching the fun flavor of the overall event theme with their own individual team themes, such as “A Day at the Beach,” “Cheeseburgers in Paradise” and “On Island Time.”

Attendees are encouraged to represent the theme with costumes and fun team station decorations Boland said.

The relay is in support of the American Cancer Society, with a fundraising target of $100,000. As of May 21, the relay had raised just under $75,000, according to data published on the relay’s website.

Top donors include MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions, CBC Team and Wehnwood United Methodist Church, all contributing more than $7,500 to the cause.

According to Boland, some individual members have been recurring participants for almost the entire 30-year run of Blair County relays. Many are organized as family teams, Boland said, in order to support a clan member who beat cancer, or to honor the memory of a past loved one.

“It’s nice to see a returning team or a returning survivor, to see them after a year and catch up,” Boland said. “It’s heartwarming to see.”

Mirror Staff Writer Conner Goetz is at 814-946-7535.

If you go

What: Blair County Relay For Life in support of the American Cancer Society

When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 8

Where: Mansion Park, Altoona

Theme: This year’s theme is “Marga-RELAY-ville,” in honor of 2024 Blair County Relay For Life ambassador Michelle Cox, who developed the habit of wearing one of her many Jimmy Buffett

Margaritaville shirts whenever she traveled for cancer treatment.