CLINTON — The 2017 DeWitt County Relay for Life kicked off at noon on Saturday, June 3, at the Clinton High School track.  

There were opening ceremonies (no long speeches, just welcomes) to start the day’s events and a “First Call” bugle playing for the initial lap start.  There were several team tents set up for refreshment and food as well as cover from the sun, when participants were not on the track.  

At one point there was an exercise workout going on near the starting line.  There was a silent auction held, the Clinton Fire Departments Squad 5 was on hand much of the day, and there was a “jail” on the premises that participants could be placed in and then have to “raise” $5 for Relay for Life to be sprung from incarceration.  

The camaraderie appeared great among all participants.  The participation was down from years past, but the relay went on.  Where there were previously 10 or more teams with tents up, this year’s event drew about five.  

Late in the afternoon, there was a survivor/caregiver lap that was well attended, and then, as the sun set, the placing of luminaries around the high school was a site to behold, each luminary representing a friend or relative who had lost their battle with cancer.  

The luminaries this year went completely around the quarter mile track.  This has not been officially confirmed yet, but it is believed that Team FNBT (First Nation Bank & Trust) was the only team present that had participants on the track at all times for the entire event.  

All the teams did a great job and the event raised substantial funds for Relay for Life.

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