What To Expect At Sartell's September 'Relay For Life'

Cancer has touched nearly every family in Central Minnesota.

On Saturday, September 12th, Central Minnesota comes together to remember those we've lost, celebrate survivors and caregivers, and raise money to continue the fight against cancer. Everyone is invited to participate to help us beat cancer. Rose and Kathy stopped by to talk to me about this year's event.

2026 RELAY FOR LIFE

The 2026 Relay For Life takes place at the Sartell Community Center, 850 19th Street South, beginning at 1 p.m. Admission is free, and everyone is invited to stop by, walk a lap, support a team, remember someone special, or simply be part of a community that refuses to give up.

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DO THE FUNDS RAISED HELP PEOPLE IN CENTRAL MINNESOTA? YES!!!

There's something important to know about the money raised at Relay For Life: it helps people right here in Minnesota and in our local communities.

The American Cancer Society uses funds raised through Relay For Life to support cancer patients and families through programs and services, including help navigating a cancer diagnosis, transportation assistance, lodging, and other resources. Money raised also helps fund cancer research, education, and advocacy.

In other words, when you donate at Relay For Life, you're not just helping someone somewhere else. You're helping make sure people facing cancer have resources and support when they need them, in our hometowns here in Central Minnesota. Those of us who have been on the cancer journey with a loved one know how important it is to have resources for patients, caregivers, and families. Relay For Life makes that possible. I don't know where we would be without it!

From Magnets To Toilets, Central MN Makers Vie For Manufacturing Crown

SARTELL COMMUNITY CENTER SEPTEMBER 12TH RAIN OR SHINE

The day begins with registration at noon and the official Relay beginning at 1 p.m.

DJ Yankovec's Sound and Light will provide music from 1 to 10 p.m., with craft sales and vendors from 1 to 5 p.m.

Some of the most meaningful moments of the day begin at 2 p.m. with the Opening Ceremony. At 2:30 pm, cancer survivors will take part in the Survivors Lap, followed by the Caregivers Lap at 2:4 pm.

BRING THE CHEERS!

Everyone attending is encouraged to line the track and cheer them on. Bring your noisemakers, pom-poms, and your biggest cheers!

Throughout the afternoon and evening, there will be games, vendors, music, and special ceremonies. Dede Budde will perform on harp at 5 p.m., followed by the Empty Table Ceremony, Messages to Heaven, and the Bubbles of Memories Lap.

LUMINARY CEREMONY AT 8 PM

Then, as darkness falls, the Luminary Ceremony at 8 p.m. will provide one of the most emotional moments of the event. Luminaria honor people who have battled cancer and remember those who have lost their lives to the disease.

GLOW LIGHT LAP AT 8:30 PM

The evening continues with the Glow Light Lap at 8:30 p.m., followed by the Closing Ceremony and drawings at 9:30 p.m.

EVERYONE IS INVITED TO COME AND SUPPORT THIS EVENT

Relay For Life isn't a race. It's a community walk, and you don't have to be a registered participant to come out and support the event. Families and friends are welcome, and strollers, wagons, walkers, and wheelchairs can be part of the walk.

Whether you have battled cancer yourself, cared for someone who has, lost someone you love, or simply want to help fight back, there's a place for you at Relay For Life.

BRING YOUR HEART

Bring your family. Bring comfortable walking shoes. Bring a chair if you want to stay a while. Most importantly, bring your heart.

LET'S FIGHT THE FIGHT TOGETHER

Because cancer may affect one person, but fighting it is something we can do together.

The 2026 Sartell Relay For Life is Saturday, September 12th, at the Sartell Community Center, 850 19th Street South. The event begins at 1 p.m. and is free and open to the public. It will be held outdoors. If there is inclement weather, they will move it inside the Sartell Community Center. Rain or shine...nothing will stop us from Stopping Cancer. Please support in any way you can.

LOOK: Do you see faces in these photos?

Pareidolia refers to the ability to see recognizable shapes, often faces, in random objects. Take a look at the photos below and see if you can identify any faces or shapes. Some are easy to spot, while others might be more challenging.

Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz