Mark Bell, chairman of the local Relay for Life committee, said he is happy with the local participation, the money raised for cancer research and the overall event.
"We are extremely pleased," Bell said. "There was a new coordinating committee this year, and this was kinda our first time out, so we are extremely pleased with the entire event and the way it came off."
Relay For Life is an overnight event designed to help raise money and awareness for the American Cancer Society programs.
Last year, more than 4,200 communities across the United States held a Relay For Life event, which raised more than $300 million. It is the largest fund-raiser in the country.
Overall, Harlan ARH's team brought in the most donations.
Bell said the high number of participants showed the community's commitment
to helping a cause which has touched so many lives.
"There was a great turnout," Bell said. "We were very pleased and surprised by the number of people who turned out, especially between 7 and 10 p.m. There were a lot of participating."
The event even drew attention from the state's American Cancer Society with
a member of the Louisville executive committee attending the Harlan event.
"We had good weather, warm but not too hot," Bell said. " ... There were a couple of hearty people who stuck it out all night long."
Keeping things interesting throughout the night wasn't hard with several special events, including a Hula Hoop race, bingo and a "Dude Looks Like a Lady" contest, to keep the teams excited.
Wrapping up this year's event, Bell said he and rest of the committee are setting their sites to next year.
"We are already looking forward to next year, " Bell said. "We would just like to thank everyone for all the help they've provided in making this a success. We would like to thank the city for making the park available, the Little League, the 4-H, just everyone for what they did."
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