Relay For Life of Hoke County is an overnight event that raises cancer awareness and funds for research, education, advocacy, and patient service programs. Our event is a celebration of life for our survivors, a memorial for loved ones lost, and a rally for our community to fight cancer. It’s a fun, community atmosphere complete with music, food, guest speakers, a lip sync contest, kids walk, local singers and other activities. A good time is had by all while the dedication of raising money to battle cancer is underway. The Relay reminds us that progress has been made in the fight against cancer, and that everyone who participates is making a difference! Team participation Our Relay For Life teams have consisted of 6-55 people taking turns on the track walking in shifts. Our teams have consisted of friends and relatives, local businesses, hospitals, schools, churches, and other organizations coming together for the same cause. Each team consists of a Team Captain and team members who are required to pay a $10 registration fee and asked to raise a minimum of a $100. Each team is asked to raise a combined total of at least $1,500 Each team is asked to keep one member on the track at all times. Each team is given a campsite and encouraged to stay overnight to enjoy Hoke County's Relay For Life atmosphere. Teams are also encouraged to choose a theme and decorate their campsites in keeping with their theme. The campsites are judged and an award for "Best Team Spirit" is given at our Wrap Up. Survivor Dinner Approximately a week before our Relay For Life event, we host a Survivor/Caregiver Dinner to honor those who have won or are winning their fight against cancer. Survivors and their caregivers are encouraged to attend and it's during this time that they are registered for Relay For Life and given their new Survivor shirt. Opening Ceremony Relay For Life of Hoke County opens on Friday evening as cancer survivors walk or wheelchair the first lap. Family, friends and team members cheer them on as they complete this victory lap. If you have never understood the importance of Relay For Life, be present at our opening ceremonies and you will see the value of each participant's contribution. Luminary Ceremony At approximately 9:30pm on Friday night, you will find white paper bags (luminaries) lining the trach with candles. Each of these luminaries are either In Honor of someone who has battled cancer or In Memory of a loved one lost to cancer. Our stadium lights are turned off, everyone is asked to stop walking at that moment, while names for which luminaries were bought are read for everyone to hear. Loved ones are asked to gather by their luminary during this emotional ceremony. The luminaries are then left to burn throughout the night as a reminder to all of us why we Relay and the importance of everyone's efforts and contributions. For more information on how to order a luminaria Click Here. Closing Ceremony Relay For Life of Hoke County's closing ceremonies will start around 2:00 pm on Saturday with ALL participants and cancer survivors invited to take a final lap around the track and reflect on the weekend's events and know they have given of themselves and time in the fight against cancer. Wrap-Up Celebration Several weeks after our Relay, we host our Wrap-Up Celebration! This year is "Oscar Night" for our participants and sponsors. Here we recognize and award our teams for a job well done. Our All-star awards are given along with other various awards and recognition.