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The Relay For Life events in Mower and Waseca counties have disbanded, but the spirit of community and support continues as members from these areas join the Freeborn County Relay For Life event — now officially named Relay For Life of Freeborn-Mower County.

The event is scheduled for Aug. 9-10 at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds and welcomes participation from all locations. Groups and individuals from Freeborn,  Mower and Waseca counties are invited and encouraged to be represented.

Relay For Life raises money in the fight against cancer, supporting survivors and caregivers and remembering those lost to  cancer, according to a press release. 

The fundraising efforts for this year’s event kicked  off with a bingo fundraiser at the Albert Lea Moose Lodge, which raised $4,000 for the cause, followed by donations from Accentra Credit Union and Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative.

The release stated the community’s enthusiasm is evident  with six teams and 34 participants already registered for the event.

An ice cream social will be at the American Legion in Albert Lea from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. This is an  opportunity to gather, register yourself or your team for Relay For Life, decorate luminaria, and enjoy Eatn’ Ice Cream.

People can also get involved by donating or by joining the planning committee, which meets from noon until 1 p.m. every Wednesday at the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.

People can purchase and decorate luminaria bags for $10 each in honor of a  survivor, caregiver or in memory of someone who lost their battle with cancer. Pick yours up at the ice cream social or at the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.

On the day of the event, the Relay for Life kicks off with a speech from a cancer survivor, survivor lap for cancer surveys and luminaria display and lighting.

The word “HOPE” will be prominently displayed in the grandstand, later changing to “CURE.”

There will also be a silent auction, food, music, Kid Zone and other entertainment.

4-H volunteers will host a snack bar, including pulled-pork  sandwiches, potato salad and coleslaw, for a freewill donation in the Fairlane  Building, to raise funds for the event.

The night concludes with a meditation to singing bowls, followed by an optional camping experience at the fairgrounds  and a freewill donation pancake breakfast in the morning.