Barrington gears up for Friday's Relay for Life
Eradicating cancer is a big cause, and in Barrington that cause is a big deal.
The annual Relay For Life, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. Friday to Saturday, at the Barrington High School community stadium, is being billed as the largest sleepover ever held in Barrington.
Good luck trying to sleep.
Between the bands, the contests, the games, the children's activities, the speakers, the Fun Laps, there's plenty to do all night long.
The overnight Relays are modeled on the idea that cancer never sleeps.
Barrington's annual Relays have turned into major fundraising events for the American Cancer Society. In the past 17 years, more than $4 million has been raised in Barrington - $1.1 million in the last year years alone, according to Eleanor McDonnell, chairwoman of the Relay.
McDonnell believes the Relay is the single biggest yearly fundraiser in Barrington, a community known for its philanthropy. And their Relay is the second biggest in Illinois.
"It's a celebration of life," says the marketing expert, explaining why - even in a down economy - Barrington area residents turn out with spirit every year.
"We're inviting everyone Friday night to celebrate life together, and the memory of those who are not with us," she said.
Even if you don't want to walk, there's plenty to do and see, she added.
About 75 cancer survivors will be in the stadium Friday, to have a special dinner in their honor and to take a lap, celebrating their lives.
Relay schedule
5 p.m. Survivor Dinner
6-6:45 p.m. Eleanor Sweet; Welcome to Relay For Life 2014 from Nancy Loo; national anthem and "God Bless America" by the Barrington Children's Choir directed by founder Peggy Crawford; Village President Karen Darch; Honorary Chairman Bob Lee; survivor Nancy Nemec will speak; Herb Porter, national spokesman for the ACS and a cancer survivor, sings "Ain't No Stopping Us Now" and welcomes survivors to track.
6:45 p.m. Survivor Lap, walked to the music of the Barrington Children's Choir; Caregiver Lap, with a cheer from Gigi's Cheer Gems at Gigi's Playhouse.
7 p.m. All participants enter the track. Fun Lap: Bubbles. Mr. Barrington Contest.
7:30 p.m. Fun Lap: Three-legged race; frozen T-shirt contest; magician Peter Krouwer.
8 p.m. Fun Lap: Super Hero! and the band, Pulsebeat
8:30 p.m. Zumba with Deanna Murphy
9 p.m. Fun Lap: Toga! Toga! and music from Hailey Rowe
9:30 p.m. X & Premium Blend
10 p.m. Luminaria Ceremony; Mary Tallman, bagpipes
10:30 p.m. Fun Lap: Yeehaw! Cowboy and Cowgirls! Music from the band Phat Beach
11 p.m. DJ Dance Party
11:30 p.m. Fun Lap: Beach Party
Midnight. Fun Lap: Prom Night at Midnight (dig those bridesmaids dresses out); dodgeball tournament
1 a.m. Fun Lap: Gender Bender (cross dressing); longest tug of war in Barrington; musical chairs
1:30 a.m. Fun Lap: Chicken Dance
2 a.m. Movie on the field: "Frozen"
3:30 a.m. Fun Lap: Pajama Party
4 a.m. Fun Lap: Crazy Hat and Hair
5 a.m. Breakfast
6 a.m. Closing ceremony