The Relay For Life is always a big event in Franklin County each year, and several local Relay teams are planning to hold a joint fundraising event that will hopefully raise plenty of money to go towards cancer research through the American Cancer Society.
The 2nd Annual Relay For Life Concert and Carnival, sponsored by the Russellville Civitans’ team, will take place Saturday, April 6 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Sloss Lake in Russellville. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students, $10 for the whole family.
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 last year 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.”
Bishop said last year’s concert happened to fall on one of the coldest weekends of the year, even though it was held in late April.
“I believe the event would have been more successful if the weather hadn’t been so bad,” Bishop said.
“We had a good crowd and lots of great vendors, but the cold and the wind kept a lot of people away who would have otherwise came out.”
Bishop said this year, the Civitans will use the Ralph C. Bishop Community Center behind the Goody’s shopping center in Russellville in the event of inclement weather.
“Just in case we have rain or another really cold spell come up the day of the concert, we wanted to have somewhere to go so we could still have the event and not get rained on or freeze to death,” he said.
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 some that aren’t from the area,” 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.
“This is something 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.”
Entertainers who will perform at the concert include Brooklyn Hall, Jesse Black, Kody Madden, Ben Parker, Jacob Green, Blaze Bishop, Carley Lacks, Savannah Mills, Adam Green, Ian Harper, Laken Danielle Bragwell, Kristin Davenport and Alex Bragwell.