The Pike County Relay for Life took place on May 21, 2010. It was a night of remembrance and celebration as team members walked laps around the Pike County High School Track on Highway 19 in Zebulon until 6 a.m. the next morning. Many teams and hundreds of people from all parts of our community gathered together to fight against cancer.

It was a night of smiles as well as tears as survivors, their families, and caregivers were honored in the first two laps around the track. Clapping and cheering greeted them as they walked around the track. And the release of purple and white balloons by cancer survivors was a sight to behold.

Teams joined together to walk around the track with their banners as well. Team members walked laps around the track continuously from dusk until dawn to symbolize the journey of those undergoing treatment for cancer.

Activities of all kinds were going on around the track. There was plenty of different types of food and drinks as well as games and presentations that took place on a very wet field. In fact, a torrential downpour broke loose less than two hours before the event was scheduled to begin. There were pools of water where children could be found playing whenever their caretakers turned their backs for even a moment.

The Invocation was given by Walter Terry and the National Athem sung by the Rock Springs Church Ensemble at 6 p.m. followed by a presentation by the Griffin High School Color Guard.

The 1st Annual Prince and Princess Contest was held along with the annual Womanless Beauty Pageant. As usual, the antics and fun in this part of the fundraising brought a huge crowd to support their contestants.

The Luminaria Ceremony was held to remember loved ones who have been lost to cancer and honor those who are bravely fighting or have won their battle with cancer.

Exhibitions were given by The Dance Connection, The Cotton Candy Skies Dance Team, The Legion of Allstars and The Colt Single Action Band. Other ways to keep awake throughout the night included Gym Instruction with Carlos Colon, a Hula Hoop contest, a Tug of War contest, Dodge Ball, a Three-Legged race, and breakfast at 5 a.m. before the awards and closing at 7 a.m. Music was provided all night long by Steve Harless of PARTY TUNEZZ.

Relay for Life is a fundraiser to fight cancer with teams walking the track all night long as a testament to the fact that cancer never sleeps. Thank you to everyone who supported and took part in this year’s Relay for Life ceremony. Look for next year's ceremony in May.