Greater Gardner MA Relay for Life Draws Hundreds, Exceeds Goal
The Gardner MA Relay for Life was held from Friday June 10, 2022 at 6pm to Saturday June 11, 2022 at 2pm. One of 2500 events of its type held in the United States, the event has raised almost 15 million dollars in 29 years. This year’s goal of $100,000 was announced to be already exceeded at $105,000 when the event began. The opening ceremonies included a celebration of local cancer survivors and Cancer Survivors took a victory lap to kick off the Relay for Life.
The community -based walk event was successful once again. The Mayoral Challenge was won by Gardner with 141 Relayers. Town of Westminster was 2nd with 64, Leominster 3rd with 42, and Fitchburg 4th with 32. When this was announced by Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson, Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzorella put on the iconic Orange Gardner shirt.
Friday Evening Theme Hours
This year’s theme was “Tune Out Cancer, Tune in Hope” and a great day of entertainment and activities was had by all including on Friday night hours such as “Party Like It’s the 1980s”, “the 1950’s Hour” “1960’s Hour”, and a Western Hour/Country Style just before midnight when the sound system went silent until 6am Saturday.
Saturday Themes
There were various silent themes overnight followed by “Revelry, Good Morning Relayers” at 6am. The Caregiver Reception started in the Big Tent at 9am. The Band “Back to the Garden” performed at 11am. Noon brought line dancing. Closing Ceremonies were held from 1pm to 2pm with special recognition, awards, and a very special last lap in which each team could participate. There were food vendors galore on both days of the event.
Due to the pandemic, the last full Relay for Life was held back in 2019 and many were happy to see it back again.
Event Cleanup
It happens – an event is held and there’s evidence the next day because there’s trash and debris all over the place. The site of the Relay for Life, however, is already clean. At just about 4pm, just 2 hours after the culmination of the event, it was obvious a great cleanup team did miracles in restoring the grounds at Mount Wachusett Community College to pristine condition.
The Parade of the Porta-Potties at Gardner Relay for Life Saturday June 11, 2022 about 4:30pm
Flag Display
This beautiful flag display greeted visitors at Mount Wachusett Community College on the weekend of June 10/11, 2022.