Even though COVID-19 resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of Relay for Life events across the U.S., here in the anthracite region, volunteers have kept the most cherished part of the event on the calendar, even as they plan to bring back a full Relay for Life event in 2022.

The 2021 Relay for Life Luminaria Ceremony will be held on Aug. 14 at Penn’s Peak from 8-9:30 p.m. while the annual telethon is telecast live from inside the performance venue. All the public is invited to come walk the oval of candles and bags, paying tribute to many who have succumbed to cancer or continue to fight.

The traditional relay theme of “Celebrate! Remember. Fight Back!” will be expressed throughout the 90-minute program. There is no admission charge, no registration, no need to belong to a team to participate.

“We just want people to come, show up - and show support for our survivors and remember those lost - by walking the oval,” said Sheri-Lynn Romanick, event chair. “When here, we hope people will consider buying a luminaria bag or two to place along the track. Luminaria can also be purchased online in advance or from any CancerTelethon volunteer.”

Romanick outlined plans for the ceremony:

• Reilly Bauer will be singing live for the candlelight ceremony.

• The ceremony will begin with a survivor lap around the oval, followed by an invitation for all in attendance to join in walking the oval with hand-held candles.

• Survivors are invited to arrive 45 minutes early (7:45 p.m.) to participate in a televised survivor segment on the telethon before they take to the luminaria service track.

• Brief remarks will round out the service, then all are invited inside Penn’s Peak to watch the live performances on the stage.

To purchase one or more luminaria bags in advance of the event, please visit www.cancertelethon.org/candles to create a luminaria in memory, honor or support of someone who has battled cancer as patient, survivor, caregiver, volunteer or donor.

To volunteer for this event or help plan the return of the Anthracite Relay for 2022, contact Sheri-Lynn Romanick at slromanick@gmail.com or 570-861-2895.

The CancerTelethon Organization is an all-volunteer organization based in Schuylkill County, with a volunteer office located in Lansford, Carbon County, at 33 W. Ridge St. Office hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Phone, 570-805-4555; fax, 570-805-4554; CancerTelethon@gmail.com; www.CancerTelethon.org. CTO produces proudly and exclusively supports the lifesaving mission of the American Cancer Society with the annual telethon and events year-round.