Organizers looking at new events for local Relays

Eastern New Mexico is getting ready to fight for a good cause.

Relay For Life is in the planning stages in both Clovis and Portales, according to organizers. The event is held to raise money for the American Cancer Society for cancer treatment research.

The Relay For Life of Clovis/Curry County is at 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 10 at Ned Houk Park. The Roosevelt County event is from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. April 29 at Portales City Park.

Sponsorship Chair Dawan Wells for Relay For Life in Clovis said one of the big aspects of the event is getting the different teams together.

"The whole idea is to have as many teams as possible so we have people walking the whole 12 hours," said Wells.

According to the Relay For Life website, teams gather for fundraising efforts and set up stations around the locations.

Wells, who participated in the event for 17 years and served on the planning committee for the last three years, said box car and stick horse races were included in past events.

Casey Peacock, the event lead for the Portales event, said she is hoping to include live music from local musicians.

Ideas also include a Little Miss Relay pageant for children, Peacock added.

Quite different is the Miss Relay pageant, something Wells said hopes will be included at the Clovis event involving men dressing up as women.

"It's fun to see the guys get involved in a fun way," said Wells.

Leadership Chair Mark Clark said the Portales event will coincide with Arbor Day, with plans to launch a tree fundraiser so people can purchase trees to be planted, either in their own backyards or in a memorial park.

Clark added he is currently working with the City of Portales regarding plans for a memorial park, with tree prices to be determined.

"It's a brand new thing this year," he said.

Plans also include a "mush ball" tournament, starting at 8 p.m. April 29 at the Portales Softball Complex on Industrial Drive, Clark said.

"It's a lot like softball but the ball is bigger and mushier," Clark said. "We had our first one last year. We hope to expand it and make it bigger."

Potential additions include carnival-esque activities at the Memorial Building, he said.

In addition, a Survivor's Dinner will be hosted from 5 to 7 p.m. April 28 at the Hydration Station, a free meal given to survivors and caregivers, Clark added.

Wells said the Clovis event will hold a reception.

"We have a free meal for the survivors that are there," said Wells, "to share stories and happiness. That they are there and have conquered the battle."

"It's a good place to meet and make good friends and come together as a community," she added.

Common across all events is the lighting of luminaries during the evening, organizers said, in honor and memory of those suffering from cancer.

"It can be heartwarming," said Wells. "It just sheds the light on why we're all there."

It is the personal impact cancer has had that led the organizers to get involved.

"Originally it was just the fact that I had friends who were battling cancer," said Wells. "As of late it was relatives who are having it. It just kinda came home, so we're pretty passionate about this."

"I've had lots of family and friends that had cancer or survived from it," said Clark. "This is one way of me paying it forward."

Wells and Clark said luminaries are $5 each. Those interested in purchasing one in Roosevelt County can contact Clark at 575-607-5692 or [email protected].

Those interested in purchasing one in Curry County can contact Team Lead Marcy Anaya at 575-714-1925.

The fundraising events are free to the public. Registration is $10 per person for those getting involved in teams.

Those interested can register at relayforlife.org/portalesnm or relayforlife.org/clovisnm.