(Photo provided) Cancer survivors hold a banner to lead the survivor lap during the 2025 Marshall County Relay For Life. This year’s event is slated for 6-10 p.m. May 29 at the John Marshall High School Field House, located on Tomlinson Avenue, Moundsville, near Monarch Stadium.

MOUNDSVILLE — The Marshall County Relay For Life, an event benefiting the American Cancer Society, is slated from 6-10 p.m. May 29 at the John Marshall High School Field House.

Karen Coffield, a longtime volunteer with the event, said the fundraising goal for this year’s relay is $60,000.

“The month of May is designated as Paint The Town Purple month. Purple flags, ribbons and porch lights can be seen throughout the county to call attention to the annual event on May 29,” she said.

This year’s theme is “Carnival For A Cure.”

“Twenty-four Relay For Life teams have been preparing for several months with various fundraisers. Teams will be at the event with on-site fundraisers like face painting, popcorn, raffles, guessing jars, a lemonade stand, homemade pie and other goodies,” she said.

The entertainment will include singer and guitarist Stevie Lynn, Cabin Fever String Band, the Ron Retzer Trio and JMHS Strings. The opening ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. and will feature American Legion Post 18 presenting the colors and the national anthem.

There also will be a welcome message from relay chairwomen Trish Weinschenker and Bonnie Wendt, followed by survivor and caregiver speakers. After the speeches, the first lap will be led by survivors, who will be joined in the second lap by caregivers.

The luminary ceremony will be held about 9:30 p.m.

“The luminary ceremony is very inspirational as folks walk around the lighted luminaries on which names of loved ones are printed either ‘in honor of’ or ‘in memory of,'” Coffield said. “The John Marshall strings play while everyone quietly walks.”

Food trucks from Izzy’s and the Dinner Bell will be on-site from 5-8 p.m.

Coffield added this year’s fundraising goal is $60,000, but the relay is already about a third of the way there because of fundraisers and donations from businesses, churches and individuals.

“Relay For Life has existed in Marshall County for about 30 years. Each volunteer has a story as to why he or she relays,” she noted. “Everyone has been touched by cancer in some way. Many are survivors who wish no one else has to experience hearing ‘you have cancer.’ Many more have lost loved ones to cancer.”

Coffield said money raised through Relay For Life goes to the American Cancer Society, which uses it for research, prevention education and new screening procedures.

“Many new … treatments have been discovered; however, the fight goes on,” she said. “The public is invited to stop in — listen to the entertainment, check out the team tables, eat some good food and visit with friends and neighbors. Have a fun time while donating to a very worthwhile cause.”