Relay for Life: Event moved from McDonald

The 21st edition of Relay for Life in Colfax was almost derailed last week when event organizer Gail Webster found out that McDonald Park, the chosen location for the event, was not actually available.

Webster said she had previously been told a baseball tournament at the park was scheduled to end at 6 p.m. June 10, so Relay organizers could set up the event throughout the day and start at 6 p.m. the same day of the tournament. However, the baseball tournament actually has games slated for 3, 6 and 9 p.m. June 10.

“We couldn’t have both events going at the same time,” Webster said.

Instead of being at McDonald Park, the event will go back to the high school track, where it has traditionally been held.

“I spoke with the superintendent, and he said we could have the track,” Webster said.

The track was not expected to be available for Relay, as construction was expected to have already commenced on a new track surface by that time. However, delays in accepting a bid have kept the contract from being awarded as-of-yet.

“This will be an easy transition because we were so accustomed to doing it at the track,” Webster said. “We just want to make sure people know.”

Webster said Relay will follow the same format as in the past with participants walking around the track and events taking place throughout the night. The event will also return to the all-nighter format that was abandoned last year in favor of an afternoon/evening event. Relay is scheduled for June 10-11, with opening ceremonies beginning at the high school track at 6 p.m. The event concludes at 6 a.m. on the 11th.