Pickleball, medieval combat, cornhole, and pie eating among activities

This article is brought to you by Johnson’s Paint and Body.

The Howard County chapter of Relay for Life will hold its annual walk to benefit the American Cancer Society on Sept. 13, from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. in Foster Park in downtown Kokomo.

The schedule of events for the day has been released, and it is filled with activities that should appeal to just about everyone. There is no cost to attend the Relay for Life or to participate in most activities. However, donations to support walking teams or the Relay itself are always accepted.

The events actually begin prior to the official opening of the Relay, with a pickleball tournament beginning at 8 a.m. Registrations and entry fees are taken at 8 a.m. at the tennis courts in Foster Park.

The opening ceremony begins at 10 a.m. on the performing arts stage with a pastoral prayer, a song by Cherresa Lawson, and words from Gold Team spokesperson Aubrey Corn, representing the Childhood Cancer Movement: Gold Together.

Once the cancer survivors have gathered near the stage, Dr. John Salter, MD, with the Howard Community Anderson Cancer Center, and “Cancer Warriors” Steve Jones and Matt Selley will speak.

All cancer survivors should check in and register for the Relay at the gazebo behind the performance arts stage before the walk begins. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase throughout the day at the gazebo.

At 11 a.m., the VFW Flag Detail will lead walkers on the ceremonial Survivor/Caregiver First Lap as the Relay launches into action. Immediately following the Survivor Lap, there will be a Cancer Warrior birthday party, honoring all cancer survivors. The party will take place near the Survivors Tent near the gazebo behind the performing arts stage.

At noon, the Empire of Steel and Chivalry Show will begin, as will a cornhole tournament. Registration and entry fees will be accepted at the tennis courts for the tournament.

A variety of activities, entitled “Let the Games Begin,” will take place at the performing arts stage from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m.

Included in the lineup of activities is the 2nd Annual Kelly Humbert Pie Eating Contest. Registration and a $10 entry fee will be accepted for the contest at the Team KCB tent.

Other activities taking place during the segment of the Relay include a performance by stand-up comedienne Becky Hickey, followed by a rousing game of “Family Feud,” hosted by Hickey. Sign-ups for teams wanting to participate in the game will be accepted.

There also will be an ongoing game of Twister, and a Survivors Open Mic session, along with music by DJ Tim Edwards. Balloon artist and clown James Kidwell will create balloon art throughout the day and evening for donations, and there will be a performance of Optus Magic with Owen during this early segment of the event.

From 1-7 p.m., there will be a dunk tank in operation. The cost to participate is five balls for $5 for children ages 12 and under, and three balls for $5 for those ages 13 and up. There also will be a bounce house and adult-sized inflatable bowling available.

The musical performances kick off at the performing arts stage, beginning at 2 p.m. with the band OAK. Vocal artist Noah Aldridge performs at 3 p.m., and the band Lineage plays at 4 p.m. Popular local artist Keyton Romero will put on a full concert from 5-8 p.m.

The Empire of Steel and Chivalry returns for a second performance from 8-8:30 p.m., followed by “A Performance to the King, Elvis,” by tribute artist Steven Guy at 8:30 p.m.

The traditional luminaria ceremony will take place from 9:30-10 p.m. to close the Relay. Luminarias may be purchased throughout the day and evening. The park closes at 11 p.m.