By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
If you weren’t at the Williams County Fairgrounds Friday night, then you missed one of the biggest opportunities to showcase your support for those who have battled cancer.
The Williams County Relay for Life began at 5 p.m. with the opening ceremony, where a prayer was given by Adam Fox, followed by Kevin Motter leading the people in the pledge of allegiance.
Kendall Siebanaler then did a wonderful job singing the national anthem, before the survivors began their honorary lap.
This was a beautiful moment where those who have battled cancer took a lap around the fairgrounds, with people clapping and cheering.
Although faces were smiling, many attendees could not hold back their feelings of sadness at the decline of participation that the relay has seen in recent years.
The fairgrounds were outfitted with vendors, the Montpelier Library provided a child play area, and the food there was delicious.
Survivors stressed that it is crucial that research be done to help figure out how to best treat those who are fighting cancer, and sadly commented that the fewer the number of people that attend, the lower the support of the community feels.
If you were there Friday, then you know just how fun it was during the auction as people tried to get their favorite flavor of pie, how inspiring the survivors are, and how beautiful and touching the memorials and luminaries are.
If you weren’t there Friday, consider keeping your eyes and ears open for wind of the next Relay for Life event.
Not only will you be able to join in on some summer family friendly fun, but you will also be showing support to those who deserve every bit of it.
Anna can be reached at anna@thevillagereporter.com
(PHOTOS BY ANNA WOZNIAK / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)