Relay for Life moving to county fairgrounds
By Ty Johnson
Published in News on August 16, 2011 1:46 PM
After a lengthy and coveted partnership, Wayne Community College and one of the county's most popular events are parting ways.
Relay for Life is changing venues.
But despite the fact that one of the county's most popular events will now take place at the Wayne County Fairgrounds, Relay officials said they owe a great deal to the campus that allowed the fundraising effort to grow into something cancer survivors and those affected by the disease look forward to every spring.
Brenda Robinson said Relay was indebted to the college for all its officials had provided over the years -- and for telling those who put on the event that if there were ever any issues in the future, they were welcome to come back.
And Jeff Whitener said the college staff had done everything they were ever asked to do for the event, but that the move to the fairgrounds would make for an easier setup.
"It's our next big step in the growth of the program."
David Trivette, who handles the logistics for Relay, concurred.
"It will be easier at the fair," he said.
Instead of setting up generators and portable restrooms, event organizers will enjoy facilities that already exist at the fairgrounds and will benefit from a newly paved midway that will serve as the track.
And additional parking spaces is also a plus.
So even though the change in venue will, for many, be bittersweet, Lee Adams, one of the founders of Relay, said he was pleased with the move that signifies just how far the event has come over the years.
"I think it's a good move," he said.