Residents of Warren County enjoyed a full night of celebrations on Saturday at Relay for Life’s annual event which was held at the Detention at the Elementary and helped raise funds to send cancer “to detention.”

This year marks Relay for Life’s 22nd year with a notable change as this was the first time the event was held at the Detention, which donated a portion of the proceeds from food purchased during the event. 

The night started at 4 p.m. with a basketball game featuring the Dibrell Elementary Wildcats. Visitors later enjoyed live music as Trent Kell and the Rowdy Roosters rocked the halls, while meals were provided by the Detention and the Covenant Team. 

After the show, visitors joined together to watch and clap for the Survivor Walk which had cancer survivors march around the banquet room at the Detention and around the gymnasium at the former Morrison school. Visitors then prepared for the annual auction, where baskets, purses, cakes and plants donated by the community were sold to raise money. 

Once the auction came to an end, visitors gathered in the gymnasium for the Luminara Ceremony where survivors and victims of cancer were remembered and honored. Luminara bags were sold at $10 each with the proceeds from the items going directly to Relay for Life. 

Many other exciting events took place throughout the night including a cornhole tournament featuring ACL pro Dennie Vaughn, a blood drive and a bounce house for kids to enjoy.

The night closed with a 5K walk/run where participants diligently traveled along roads assisted by Warren County Sheriff's Department deputies who closed some roads to ensure the safety of all involved. 

Relay for Life organizer Carla Savage commented on her experience hosting this year’s fundraiser at the Detention. 

“Having it at the Detention this year was different but great,” Savage said. “If you are a cancer survivor, sometimes the heat and sun bothers you, so being at the Detention was good because it was inside and cool, parking was easy and no steps were involved.” 

Savage also commended Warren countians for their support of cancer survivors and participation in this year’s Relay for Life event. 

“We want to thank the Warren County community for always supporting Relay for Life because we couldn’t do it without your support and all of the businesses’ support,” Savage said.