Barrington will be in the spotlight tonight, with WGN-TV personalities and camera crews taking part in TONIGHT’S Barrington Relay for Life. Many months of hard work, team building and fundraising have gone into preparations for the Relay and organizers say now they’re hoping the community comes out in force to make Barrington’s event shine.
According to the Barrington Relay’s website, more than 800 people signed up to participate on 92 teams by walking laps at Barrington High School Stadium tonight, Friday June 8th, to raise money for programs supported by the American Cancer Society. Relay for Life Chair, Joanne Dalessandro, says the goal is to raise $350,000 in this year’s Relay. For every dollar raised, 93 cents will go back to the Barrington community for cancer-related causes.
If you’re not familiar with the Relay, here’s how it works and what’s in store:
The evening kicks off with an opening ceremony and relay teams set up camp and walk the track all night until the closing ceremony at 5:30 Saturday morning. There are several special highlights scheduled for the Barrington Relay, including the Survivors Lap, where cancer survivors walk the track together and the Luminaria Ceremony, a beautiful lighted display at 10 p.m. where the crowd honors those affected by cancer. The hours are packed with entertainment, family fun and food provided by local restaurants. Plus, this year WGN is a sponsor of Barrington’s Relay. There will be WGN personalities on hand for the event including the area’s own Nancy Loo, a long-time Chicago news reporter and anchor and the emcee for tonight’s Relay.
To help you plan for the night, I put together a quick list of tonight’s Relay events and other highlights:
- 5:30 to 9:45 p.m. – Silent Auction
Among the many items available are a Sailboat Cruise on Lake Michigan, a 2-hour “Flyover Chicago” experience with lunch at the Signature Room, a Park City, UT Ski Vacation, Riding Lessons, Golf Experiences. iPads and Breakfast with a Barrington Police Officer. - 5:30 to 11 p.m. – Dance Explosion
Local dance groups will perform dances throughout the evening choreographed for tonight’s event. - 6 p.m. – Opening Ceremony
Relay for Life emcee, WGN TV personality and local mom, Nancy Loo, will welcome the crowd and the National Anthem will be performed. Cancer survivor, Ron Hamelberg will also address the crowd along with Relay chair, Joanne Dalessandro and the Relay’s major supporters and sponsors will also be present.
- 6:30 p.m. – Survivor Lap
Cancer survivors will take a lap around the track together in a show of support for each other and the cause. - 10 p.m. – Luminaria Ceremony
For many, a favorite part of the entire event when luminarias light the stadium in a beautiful ceremony as family and friends walk the track in honor and in memory of loved ones affected by cancer. - 11:30 p.m. – Cupcake Challenge
See how many cupcakes can be eaten in 1 minute! This is sponsored by Heinen’s Fine Foods, opening in Barrington this August. - 5 a.m. – Wake-up
Pajama lap and yoga wakeup for relayers who camp out to walk throughout the night. - 5:30 a.m. – Closing Ceremony
A beautiful morning ceremony to close the event.
Other Relay Highlights:
- Canned Food Drive – Contributions Requested!
Cans of food are used to weigh down the luminarias for the 10 p.m. ceremony and Relay planners say more cans are needed. All canned food brought tonight will be donated to local food pantries.
- WGN Bozo Buckets
Fun games for kids and families with prizes awarded throughout the event. - Live Entertainment
The full lineup of performers includes bands like Premium Blend, X, Barrington Alumni Choir and Village Singers.
- Local Food Vendors
All participating food vendors will donate 20% of purchases made at tonight’s event to the Barrington Relay for Life. - Cake Contest
Professional and amateur cake designers will bring their Relay themed cakes to display and win prizes. - Heinen’s Fine Foods Gift Card Drawings
Hourly drawings for Heinen’s Fine Food gift cards will take place throughout the night. - Complimentary Coffee
To keep the energy going, Cook Street Coffee will provide complementary cups of coffee throughout the event. - Paper Dress Awards
Local designers who created Relay inspired paper dresses will have their dresses on display and will receive awards for their creations during the Relay finale.
The weather forecast for tonight’s Relay is perfect with 83 degree temperatures expected at 6 p.m. and 69 degrees at midnight! 1500 people are expected to help the American Cancer Society celebrate a “World with more birthdays” by attending tonight’s local Relay. We hope to see you at one of Barrington’s largest community gatherings and biggest birthday parties of the year!