Local cancer survivors and those whose lives have been affected by the disease will mark the passing of annual tradition this evening, when Relay for Life of Cullman County kicks off its 26th year.

Relay kicks off at 6 p.m. today at the Cullman County Fairgrounds at Sportsman Lake Park, followed by the Survivors’ Lap at 7 p.m. and the luminary service at 9 p.m. Preceded at 5 p.m. by a survivors’ dinner, Relay carries a full slate of activities, including music, prizes, and fun-themed activities and games, until midnight.

This year’s Relay theme of “Bring Home a Cure” ties directly into Alabama’s larger bicentennial celebration celebration, said organizer Gail Crutchfield.

“Our sponsoring teams are theming their activities around anything related to Alabama — we have teams who have the Space and Rocket Center as a theme; we have the Iron Bowl. There’s Fried Green Tomatoes as a theme, and we even have a team who’s highlighting famous people from Alabama.”

While cancer and the loss it leaves is a serious topic, Crutchfield said Relay is also a time of celebration; a moment when caregivers, families, and survivors can join newcomers in coming together to enjoy each other and share a common gratitude for the human bonds that form among those who cope with the disease.

“Oh, you don’t know what to expect when you show up,” said Crutchfield, who developed a passion for the event after attending a late-1990s Relay walk and realizing just how pervasive cancer can be. “At my first Survivors’ Lap, I saw people I had known for years — people whom I never knew had had cancer. That’s always stayed with me: That cancer affects everyone. It’s that widespread.

“When you come to Relay, though, the event is one that’s always lot of fun. When our teams set up tents and start showing off all the work they’ve done to play up the theme, anything can happen. There’ll be music on the main stage by Living Faith Quartet, who’ll also be performing at the luminary service, and — one team is even bringing a mechanical bull. That’s right: A mechanical bull is coming to Relay for Life.

Relay guests will have until 9 p.m. to register for a silent drawing that will hand out prizes ranging from $5 in value all the way to $300 (in the form of four passes to Dollywood) to the winners, once the drawing starts at 10 p.m.

With decent weather and plenty of fun on tap, celebrating life with friends and neighbors at the fairgrounds sounds like a fine way to spend a Friday evening. Cullman County Relay for Life 2019 opens to the public, free of charge, starting at 6 p.m. Visit Facebook (search “Relay for Life of Cullman County”) and check out the event page for additional information.

Benjamin Bullard can be reached by phone at 256-734-2131 ext. 145.