Relay For Life to celebrate its 25th anniversary on Grand Island

Story and photo by Alice Gerard

Senior Contributing Writer

The 2026 version of Relay For Life, scheduled for June 6, marks the 25^th anniversary of this event on Grand Island.

“Our 25th anniversary is a huge milestone. Can you think of a community event you attended 25 years ago that is still happening today, not counting the Fourth of July parade?” Relay co-chair Lynn Dingey said. “Relay requires a lot of hard work and dedication to put together every year, but our event wouldn't still be here without the support of our amazing community supporting Relay year after year.”

“Did you know Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society's largest international fundraiser?” Dingey asked. “Did you know that the ACS uses those funds for patient services and funding research grants? It's pretty amazing to think that money we raised is being used to fund research at SUNY Buffalo and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and to offer our cancer survivors critical support.”

For the 25^th anniversary, the committee is bringing back past activities. These include a theme lap, “more survivor activities in the survivor tent, and a couple other things we're working on,” Dingey said.

This year, the theme is “Superheroes United to Fight.”

“We have some fun superhero activities planned,” Dingey said. Activities already planned include a superhero costume lap with a costume contest. In the kid zone, there will be a superhero training course (obstacle course) “and other fun activities for the kids.” Also planned is a superhero movie night.

“Movie night will be right in the Town Commons,” Dingey said. “We'll be showing ‘The Incredibles,’ and we'll have popcorn, snacks and refreshments for sale.”

“We will have three superheroes that will be joining us at the event,” Dingey said, noting the superheroes will be available for photos.

Food available at Relay will include “taco-in-a-bag, hot dogs, John's pizza, something yummy from 773 North, the Crazy Cannoli Chick and a lemonade vendor. We're working on several more food options,” Dingey said, adding “the dinner in the survivor tent will be provided by Mr. & Mrs. Catering Services.”

“The survivor celebration will have a superhero wall to add all our superheroes to,” Dingey said.

“We always get together and talk about theme ideas. I remembered a conversation from years ago with a survivor and her daughter. Each called the other their hero during the mother's battle with cancer. A ‘hero’ theme idea quickly turned into a superhero theme and grew from there.

“We're looking forward to seeing everyone on June 6. If anybody is interested in forming a team and having a tent at Relay, we'd love to have them. They can visit www.relayforlife.org/GrandIslandNY to sign up. We also invite any former Relay teams and participants to join us in celebrating our 25th Relay.”