Relay for Life isn't a new concept for most people. The idea started in 1985 when a doctor from Tacoma, Washington ran around a track for 24 hours. In one night, he--along with others who wanted to help him--raised $27,000 to go towards the fight against cancer. That one night event went on to jump start a world-wide phenomenon, making Relay for Life the largest not for profit organization in the world.
In Barnes County, we aren't strangers to this event, either. There are certain events in our area that we look forward to in our area: North Dakota Winter Show, Rally in the Valley, Soap Box Derby, sporting events, etc…but Relay for Life has become a staple. Residents count on it coming back every year…at least they used to. In the past years, numbers have dwindled and people don't seem as interested. On a normal year, the event would be held at Lokken Stadium, but after the addition of the new Shelly Ellig Field, problems arose and volunteers were forced to find another location. One year the event was held at Hanna Field, but that would be the first and likely, last year to be held there (but one never knows what the future holds). In the last year (2013), change came again to our "venue," this time being held in downtown Valley City; covering most of the main drag: Central Avenue. Though weather didn't cooperate the way everyone had hoped--it never does--the event went on and to the surprise of most, participation and involvement improved. This is likely due to the fact that it was not a "traditional" event. Instead of running 12 hours, our event ran from 6PM to midnight.
This year, change is coming again! It is said that the Relay for Life event will be held on June 13 in cooperation with the Rally in the Valley weekend. No specific details are known yet, but this year will be the 15th Anniversary year for Barnes County, so big things are sure to come!
