Local Relay for Life will begin Friday

The 17th Annual Relay for Life is scheduled for this Friday and Saturday, May 14 and 15, at Woodruff Field on Trojan Avenue in Sparta.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday with the opening ceremonies and survivor lap as the first planned activities.

During the opening ceremonies, speakers will include Mayor John Miller, Superintendent Jeff Cox and a speech by local cancer survivor Sherry Edwards. Following the speakers, survivors and caregivers will take the inaugural laps around the track, followed by the kids' walk and the opening of the team walk at 6:45 p.m.

Following opening ceremonies, activities are planned for teams, visitors, youth and adults. For children, events include bounce houses, games and other activities planned by Alleghany County Schools. Also planned are games and activities for adults, including a corn hole tournament, a display of vintage cars, a silent auction, a live auction.