By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
The Bowling Green community is gearing up for another powerful evening of unity and purpose as the annual Relay for Life returns for its 31st year, continuing its mission to support the American Cancer Society and those affected by cancer.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating a World with More Birthdays,” brings a festive and hopeful tone to the event, which is Friday from 4:30-10 p.m. at the Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W Poe Road, Bowling Green.
During the 31-year history of the Bowling Green event, the format has changed from a 24-hour walk to a 5 ½ hour family-focused compilation of activities. The condensed timeline makes it easier for families to come out to be part of the fundraiser.
“We knew we wanted to find a format that works for today’s families and the community, not just what works for us,” explained Brian Gibson, ACS senior development manager, northeast Ohio region. “The Friday night option seems to be a better fit, and in the end, the event is the one that ends up benefitting from more community involvement.”
A major draw for families is the Kids Fest, running from 5 to 8 p.m., which includes a bounce house, carnival games, mini golf, and raffles.
Food options such as walking tacos, baked potatoes, nachos, and sweet treats will be available through team fundraisers, alongside a vendor and craft show.
Currently, 17 teams are registered, including 14 that are repeat participants and three teams new to Relay for Life. Teams will decorate their “campsites” with birthday-themed displays, symbolizing survivorship and the progress being made in cancer research and care. Each team has set a goal for how much they hope to raise in support of the cause.
On-site fundraisers by the teams include: Basket raffle and nachos and cheese by the Wonder Walkers (Campsite 1); Drinks and keychains by Marching For (Campsite 2); Water, balloons and baked items by Battling for Belle (Campsite 3); Cupcakes and Tractor Pull T-shirts by The Eaglettes (Campsite 4); Drinks—Coke and a Joke (Campsite 5); Walking tacos, baked potatoes, candy bar, vendor/craft show/silent auction by Nancy Ullum (Campsite 6); Dilly Bars ($10 donation), blow out a candle on the cake and win a prize by Support Squad Bethany’s Angels (Campsite 8); Pies (6:30-7:30 p.m. unless sold out early) by Trinity United Methodist Church (Campsite 14); and Pasta game by Family & Friends (Campsite 15).
In addition to the Kids Fest, designed to engage families, the event also includes time to honor survivors and remember loved ones lost to cancer.
The official opening ceremony begins at 6 p.m., featuring community speakers and local performers.
One of the evening’s most meaningful moments will be the luminaria ceremony at 9 p.m., where luminaries are aglow in honor and memory of those impacted by cancer. The ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of the event’s mission and the lives touched by the disease.
Gibson said the shift to a Friday evening event has helped increase attendance, making it easier for families to stop by after work and participate, even if only for a few hours. That accessibility has contributed to growing community engagement and fundraising success.
Last year, the event raised an impressive $174,293, the highest total in the 15 years Gibson has been a part of the Bowling Green event. “That amount definitely reflects the strong local support we receive,” he said.
The momentum continues to build. Although the goal for this year is $134,000, he expects to surpass that thanks to the amount of work the teams put in and the tremendous support received from corporate sponsors, including presenting sponsor Wood County Hospital.
“It’s the volunteers that keep pushing me forward. It really is because when they have the passion, I feel that energy. It just invigorates me, and then I just want to do the best for them because they’re just so special to me.”
The Relay for Life teams “are truly the heart and soul of this event,” he added. “Without them, the event wouldn’t happen, and the lifesaving dollars wouldn’t be raised.”
Funds raised through Relay for Life support cancer research, patient services, and resources like the American Cancer Society’s 24/7 helpline, transportation assistance, and Hope Lodge housing for patients traveling for treatment.
Organizers emphasize that beyond fundraising, the event is about community connection and shared purpose. Bringing families together not only supports a critical cause but also instills the value of giving back in the next generation.
Residents are encouraged to stop by, enjoy the activities, and support the teams whose year-round efforts make the event possible. Whether attending for an hour or the entire evening, every participant plays a role in moving closer to a future without cancer., Gibson stressed.
Click here for more information about the Wood County event on Friday from 4:30 to 10 p.m. at the fairgrounds.
Bottomline, Gibson said, “It’s all about finding the research dollars so that your children never have to hear the words, ‘You have cancer.'”
