Homemade ice cream was a popular treat. There was a long line for BBQ nachos. 

A luminaria ceremony provided a touching close as darkness settled.

But perhaps the most impactful words of the night were spoken by an 11-year-old cancer survivor.

“It’s really exciting to have the rest of my life in front of me, to be able to do what I want to do,” said Kelsi Caten, one of the many visitors at Saturday’s Relay for Life who was wearing a purple survivor T-shirt. “My mom says I’m a big bundle of energy. I love gymnastics and I’m on the Warren County Middle School dance team. It’s been 10 years since I was diagnosed.”

Life for Kelsi wasn’t always so promising. In 2011, she was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma when she was just 18 months old. Now she’s preparing to enter sixth grade at WCMS.

Kelsi was one of the hundreds of participants at Relay for Life, held in downtown McMinnville on Court Square. This year’s event has raised $35,906, according to organizer Carla Savage, with money still coming in.

The Balloon Dude Justin Reed was on hand making an assortment of inflatable characters. He’s been a fixture at local events for 16 years.

“I’m a short-order balloon artist,” Reed said. “I make what they ask for.”

Mario and Spider-Man were two characters which were requested Saturday. Reed says the standard balloon dog is what he makes more than anything else.

Reed was paid a set fee to appear at Relay for Life with all money placed in his tip jar donated toward the fundraising effort.

Donald Hillis led a spirited auction that featured cakes, flowers, gift cards, and home décor items. Larry Flatt was one of the many active bidders and he left with a stash that included a lamp, picture, and three hanging baskets of petunias.

“I tried to support the effort and bid on things I could use,” said Larry, “so I didn’t bid on any of the hair products.”

Larry and his wife, Jane, are both cancer survivors. Jane was first diagnosed around 21 years ago and then they were both diagnosed at about the same time 12 years ago.

“We were trying to schedule my surgery around her chemotherapy,” said Larry. “We worked it out so she could take care of me and then I could take care of her.”

Five childhood cancer survivors were honored in front of the stage. In addition to Kelsi Caten, Hunter Bernhardt, Emma Walker, Briggs Davis and Branson Pack were recognized for their fight against the disease.

Westwood Church of Christ preacher Richard O’Connor said a prayer where he prayed for those to have strength when receiving a cancer diagnosis and to continue to be strong during difficult times that can accompany treatment.

“Remember that Jesus and love have the final say,” said O’Connor in prayer.

It was a welcome return for Relay after last year’s event was canceled due to the pandemic. Saturday’s event was scaled down without the traditional Survivor’s Lap and the popular children’s games, but it was a successful fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.