The Relay For Life is one of the biggest events held in Franklin County each year because it’s a time for everyone in the community to come out and join together to support a cause that has most likely affected each person at some point in their life.

This year, the Russellville Civitans along with several other Relay For Life teams in Franklin County hope to start a new annual tradition that will be a way to raise even more money to go towards cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

The 1st Annual Relay For Life Concert and Carnival, sponsored by the Russellville Civitans team, will take place Saturday, April 21 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Sloss Lake in Russellville. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students, $15 for families of four or more, and free for children 6 and under.

The event will join together several different Relay For Life teams in the area who will provide games, food and entertainment – the proceeds of which will all go towards the American Cancer Society through the Relay For Life.

Event organizer and Civitan member Frank Bishop said he first came up with the idea as a fresh way for the Russellville Civitans’ team to raise money and the idea just evolved.

“With so much talent here in the area, I thought a concert would be a good fundraiser,” he said, “but the more I thought about it the more I thought it needed to be more than just a concert.”
Bishop said this is where the idea to have other Relay teams participate came in.

“I thought if we had several other groups who were also there hosting fundraisers, we’d be able to bring in an even larger crowd that would help us raise even more money for this great cause,” he said. “People who come to hear the entertainment will also want to buy something to eat or play some games. And people who come to support the other fundraisers will also be able to enjoy the entertainment. It’s a win-win situation for everyone because all the money made at this event supports the Relay For Life.”

Entertainment for the evening will include a slate of performers that Bishop said will provide something for everyone to enjoy.

“We have many local performers and one that’s coming from as far away as Chattanooga,” Bishop said. “These are all talented musicians and they are sure to entertain the crowd throughout the event.”

While the musicians are performing, several different Relay teams will have booths set up to provide games, food and other giveaways.

“This is just a great way to bring people together for an afternoon and evening of fun for the whole family,” said Belinda Johnson, who serves as the Relay For Life event chairperson for Franklin County. “We need more things in this area that bring people together, and it’s great when you can find something in the area to do together that the kids and adults can all enjoy. Plus, this event gives you the opportunity to support a great cause at the same time you’re having fun.

“We think this event will be a great way to kick off springtime in Franklin County and we hope people across the area will come out to support it.”

Entertainers who will perform at the concert include Lauren Mae Sturdivant, Kristin Davenport, Erica Smith, Miss UNA 2012 Anne-Marie Hall, Carley Santana Lacks, Jesse Black, Blaze Bishop, Adam Green, Jacob Green, Mercedes Lopez, Shannea Flanagan, Jennifer Hamilton, Jessica McSpadden, MacKenzie Crow, Brooklyn Hall and Buford Parker.

Relay For Life teams that will be participating in the carnival include: Valley State Bank – crafts; Brookewood & Friends – hot dogs and a raffle; Oak Grove Freewill Baptist Church – bake sale; Getting It Together for Gladys – cotton candy and T-shirts; Isbell United Methodist Church – cake walk and a raffle; Russellville Hospital – soft drinks and water; CB&S Bank – car magnets, bookmarks and silly bracelets; Russellville Community – photos; and St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church – ring toss, Alabama and Auburn cake covers, and a raffle.

Door prizes from local businesses will also be given away throughout the evening.