www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Wednesday, June 9, 2010 · 4 Cancer survivors fight back at Relay for Life Continued from page 1 when the lightening started and we had to bring people into the arena, the spirit of Relay continued and teams created a track in the arena. It was very special," said Eidt. The annual overnight camp out held traditionally on the grounds of Appleby College kicked off at 7 p.m. Friday and wrapped up at 7 a.m. Saturday morning. Registered teams took part in an all-night relay after cancer survivors ran the first `Victory Lap.' There was a lineup of entertainment, speeches by local celebrities and then the relay and camp out. The event's traditional luminaries were lit, which people purchased to honour the memory of a loved one, who passed away battling cancer or to salute those currently battling with cancer. Approximately 120 teams of 10 or 1,200 people took part in the event. That was fewer than years past -- there were PHOTOS BY ERIC RIEHL / OAKVILLE BEAVER SALUTING THEIR SUCCESS: The annual Relay for Life Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser was held at Appleby College overnight Friday. Here, from left, among those taking part are cancer survivors Helen Szumigaj, left, and Gail Green; Hilda McGuire and young Emma Thompson Carter, a survivor who cut the ribbon to start the relay. 142 last year -- but Eidt said she's still encouraged. There were also 125 cancer survivors who participated and more than 300 volunteers helped make it all happen. Local schools also took part with Appleby entering more than 20 teams, as well as others from Thomas A. Blakelock, Holy Trinity Secondary School and Chisholm Public School. "We are hoping to engage the Oakville community in this event more next year," said Eidt, who was still pleased with the outcome. The event almost hit its target -- in an economic downturn -- and the local Canadian Cancer Society faced its own changes this past year, moving from its long-time Fourth Line location to a new office at 760 Pacific Rd., Unit 7, just east of Bronte Road at Wyecroft Road. Carrying the theme of Celebrate, Remember, Fight Back, the event saw teams arriving late Friday afternoon to pitch camp. Dinner got everyone revved up and there was a break in the main stage entertainment just long enough for the Luminary ceremony in the college's chapel and the midnight Fight Back ceremony. Among the lineup on stage were the Appleby Borys Boytchuk Group, The Super Dogs, Lisa McCallum, Dancehall Free For All, Alright Alright and the Last Minute Band. In the chapel performing were the Appleby Vocal Ensemble, the Oakville Chamber Orchestra and Alexander Huggins. "Our top team The Super Dogs, raised $24,000," said Eidt of the group that also performed on stage. As usual, some friendly competition occurs at the relay event for some top titles. This year, best campsite went to the team, the Shaynanagins (a light house) while the Wizards of Coz earned best costume title and the KISS team was selected for best team spirit. Other event activities included a Kids' Zone, a Scavenger Hunt, a tug of war, Bingo and the showing of a movie, Avatar, during the wee hours of the morning -- and popcorn. At the Cancer Smart Shop, the Photo Zone offered people the chance to catch their team photo, while both an all night shop and an all-night rejuvenation station operated. There was also a silent auction. For more information, visit www.haltonrelayforlife.com. · Thorough, consistent and reliable home cleaning · 100% satisfaction guaranteed · Regular and occasional service · Spring Cleaning · Gift Certificates e-mail: anderson@mollymaid.ca OAKVILLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY Invite you to: A Band Concert Ph: 905-844-2695 (Sorry no rain date) at Lakeside Park (Navy & Front Street) Sunday, June 13th 2010 from noon to 4:00 pm www.mollymaid.ca · St Paul's Dixie Land Band - Noon to 2:00 pm · Oakville Wind Orchestra - 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm (The Oakville Wind Orchestra is the longest lasting community band in Canada) Contact us today for a free, no-obligation, in-home estimate: (905) 681-7484 Bring a picnic lunch and lawn chairs. Admission Free. Ladies wearing a Victorian Hat may win a prize!