The Relay for Life tradition returns to the region Saturday with a relay walk and luminaria service at the Tamaqua Area High School stadium.

“I hope people will come and walk at least one lap. Maybe one mile. And I hope they will ask a few friends to donate in support of their walk, and in support of our lifesaving mission,” said Joe Krushinsky, president of the Cancer Telethon organization, which is overseeing the event to support the American Cancer Society.

This is the first time since 2019 that the walk component, along with survivor lap, team walks and on-site fundraising will be held. During the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, the walks were canceled but luminaria services were held in Jim Thorpe.

“It is so exciting this year because we are able to bring back the Relay for Life with the luminaria service. That’s huge,” said Sheri-Lynn Romanick, luminaria chairwoman.

Other locations have had to cancel their Relays, making the Tamaqua event the only one in the region, she said.

Gates open at 5 p.m. for registration, followed by opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. Hatter will provide music at 7 p.m., and the luminaria service begins at 8 p.m. Closing ceremonies are at 9:30 p.m. Joe Manjack of the Magic Polka Machine on Magic 105.5 will broadcast the event from 6-8 p.m.

Individuals can walk the oval of candles and illuminated bags that pay tribute to the many who have succumbed to cancer, and those who continue to fight.

“We just want people to come, show up and show support for our survivors and remember those lost by walking the oval,” Romanick said. “When here, we hope people will consider buying a luminaria bag or two to place along the track.”

The luminaria ceremony begins with a Survivor lap around the oval, followed by an invitation for all to join in walking the oval with hand-held candles. Local entertainers Angela Nardini, Brendan Bennet and others will perform during the service.

Romanick said luminaria bags can be purchased in advance of the event in memory, honor or support of someone who has battled cancer as patient, survivor, caregiver, volunteer or donor.

Sponsorship chairwoman Donna Mullen said this is an event for the entire region including Hazleton, Tamaqua, Palmerton and points in between.

“So far, we’ve seen strongest support from the Lehighton area with teams and sponsorships,” she said. “But we hope and assume that Tamaqua people will turn out on Saturday since the event is in their backyard.”

To purchase luminaria bags in advance go to www.cancertelethon.org/candles. To volunteer for the event or for luminaria information, contact Sheri-Lynn Romanick at slromanick@gmail.com or 570-861-2895. For team information, call Doug Yasinsky at 570-778-6215.

“CancerTelethon has a team of the most devoted and hardworking volunteers I have ever met. We work together like a family in support of the American Cancer Society. I am honored that my daughter and I have had the opportunity to be part of this team for four years and I urge others to come join it as well,” Romanick said.

Event details, downloadable registration forms and pledge sheets can be found at www.CancerTelethon.org/walk.

- Jill Whalen