Relay for Life of Marshall County Celebrates 31st anniversary this Saturday in Plymouth’s River Park Square

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 11:00 PM

By Kathy Bottorff

Everyone has been touched by cancer, and everyone is welcome to join the celebration. Relay for Life of Marshall County will host its annual walk and fundraiser this Saturday, September 26th, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at River Park Square in downtown Plymouth, celebrating the organization's 31st anniversary.

Festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. with the opening ceremony, followed by the survivors' lap—a moving tradition honoring those who have fought cancer and won. Throughout the evening, there will be music and food available for purchase, along with a silent auction filled with wonderful baskets of goodies and many lovely items. The silent auction runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

A highlight of the event is the Luminaria Ceremony, a powerful and emotional tradition held at nightfall to honor every life touched by cancer. Small, decorated paper bags are filled with sand and illuminated from within by a glow stick, each personalized with the name of a loved one, a personal message, or symbols of remembrance.

The luminaria honor those who have lost their battle with cancer, celebrate survivors, and support anyone currently fighting the disease. Luminaries will line the walking path at 8:30 p.m. for a special luminaria ceremony, when participants take a lap in silence to remember and reflect.

Those who would like a luminary to honor or remember someone can let Relay for Life of Marshall County know. Participants can create and decorate their own bag, or the committee will make one for them. The Relay committee has kept the donation to just $5 per luminary.

Committee members say they love seeing the track lit up at dusk and taking that lap in silence — a moment that captures the heart of what Relay for Life is all about.

The closing ceremony will take place at 9:15 p.m.

You don't have to be on a team to participate. Everyone is welcome to join the celebration, whether walking, bidding at the auction, honoring a loved one with a luminary, or simply being part of an evening that brings the community together in the fight against cancer.

For more information, call Marilyn at 574-952-4999.