Luminaria bags, in memory of cancer patients and those who have lost the struggle, are for sale each weekend at The Marketplace for $5.
The Second Annual St. John Relay for Life is just around the corner — mark those calendars for February 11 at 4 p.m. — and the luminaria committee is hosting a special event this week.
The luminaria ceremony is always poignant part of each American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Luminaria bags are available for $5 each and are purchased with a particular person in mind.
“People buy the luminaria bags in honor of someone who is battling cancer or someone who has lost their struggle with cancer,” said Karen Radtke, St. John Relay for Life luminaria committee chair.
At 9 p.m. on February 11, those bags, bearing the names and pictures even of loved ones here and lost, will line the make-shift track in the center of Winston Wells ball field. The lights will go out, small candles in the luminaria bags will be lit and survivors alone will walk a lap.
To ensure that everyone is able to decorate their bag in honor of a loved one, Radtke is bringing arts and crafts materials with her on Saturday, January 28, to her luminaria sale table on the first floor of The Marketplace. Stop by Radtke’s table outside of Starfish Market between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and buy a luminaria bag, $5 each, and decorate it for someone special.
“People can bring photos of loved ones or any kind of tokens or anything to make their luminaria bag special,” said Radtke. “We’ll have glitter and pens and markers and all sorts of stuff for people to decorate with.”
Several local artists will also be on hand to offer decorating advice and pointers, Radtke added.
Anyone who misses the craft table, can still purchase luminaria bags. Radtke will be at The Marketplace selling the bags each Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon, and each Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. until February 11.
And be sure to get those teams signed up and funds raised in time for the 18-hour event. The Second Annual St. John Relay for Life will start at 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, and wrap up after 18 hours of entertainment and music at 10 a.m. on February 12.
For more information call Radtke at 779-4419.