Organizers hope to build on first Relay for Life concert

Pictured at last Saturday’s 1st Annual Relay For Life Concert and Carnival are Mark Burch; Megan Lovelace with the American Cancer Society; Belinda Johnson, Franklin County Relay For Life Committee chairperson; and Tonya James, with the Getting it Together for Gladys Relay For Life team.

Even though it was one of the coldest weekends in the past two months, the 1st Annual Relay for Life Concert and Carnival held this past Saturday still brought people out on the blustery day to have fun and support a good cause.
Musicians from across the area and from as far away as Chattanooga, Tenn., performed throughout the day at the stage at Sloss Lake and local Relay For Life teams set up several booths for crafts, games, bake sales, food and giveaways.
Event organizer Frank Bishop said the Russellville Civitans, who sponsored the event, were able to raise over $560 from ticket sales, which he said he was pleased with for the first year.
“We think the weather probably hurt us and kept a lot of people from coming out who normally would have,” Bishop said. “It’s always tricky planning an event outdoors, especially at this time of year.
“We appreciate those who came out and supported the American Cancer Society and the Relay teams who braved the cold to raise money for this good cause.
“The people who did come had positive things to say about the concert and carnival, and I think we’ve planted some good seeds for an event that we hope will continue to grow in the future.”