Relay for Life of Gastonia 2011, one of Gaston County’s largest fundraisers is making a few changes this year. The community wide overnight walk for honouring cancer survivors and remembering victims of the disease, has been deferred to 6th May from April, its traditional date.

The spring vacation in schools was responsible for moving the Relay for Life to May, as this year’s event has also been moved from Forestview High to Ashbrook High School’s stadium.

Teams from schools, churches, families, businesses and other organizations will gather at the community walk for celebrating the funds raised for those affected by cancer.

On 6th May, a brief opening ceremony at 6:00 p. m. will open the event, following which cancer survivors will walk a lap, cheered on and clapped for by the crowds. The event will also have children’s activities, food, entertainment and a womanless beauty pageant .

The overall feel of the walk will be celebratory, with the Luminaria Walk, one of the most memorable moments beginning around 9:00 p. m. Stuart Caudill, a long-time Relay for Life volunteer, whose wife Martha survived cancer, reveals the silent walk will be led by a bagpiper.

Communities across the Gaston and Lincoln region are also planning overnight Relay for Life walks.

Relay for Life of East Lincoln will hold its event Friday at East Lincoln High School, followed by the Relay for Life of Lincolnton on 13th May at Lincolnton High.

In Gaston County, Relay for Life of Belmont will gather 13th May at Stowe Park downtown.

You can still register a team or participate by enjoying food and entertainment, or buying a $10 tax-deductible contribution luminaria.