Relay for Life — celebration gets underway today

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Despite the fires burning in Mineral County to the east of Pagosa Springs, and the presence of smoke in Pagosa Country during the early morning hours, life goes on and events are taking place in the area.

Most notable among the events this weekend is one of the most positive gatherings of the year — Relay for Life.

If today follows the recent trend, the weather pattern will disperse the smoke in Pagosa Springs as the morning develops and, by afternoon, Relay will take place in excellent conditions.

Relay for Life begins this afternoon and runs to Saturday morning, at Golden Peaks Stadium at Pagosa Springs High School.

Relay For Life is an overnight community gathering that gives everyone an opportunity to join the fight against cancer and help save lives.

It is a time to remember those who have faced cancer — those we have lost, those still fighting, and those who have fought cancer and been victorious.

Although opening ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. there will be many other activities going on throughout the afternoon.

A silent auction begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 9 a.m. Saturday. There will be multiple items to bid on, donated by all team participants.

A dunk tank and tethered hot air balloon rides will begin at 4 p.m. The Pagosa Mountain Morning Rotary Club has the dunk tank ready to go. The dunk tank features a number of local luminaries you want to get wet — school superintendent Mark DeVoti and sheriff candidate Rich Valdez, are among the notables. It’s fun to watch, and it’s fun to throw the ball at the target for a good cause. .

The survivor dinner will begin at 5 p.m.

At 9:30 p.m. there will be a Luminaria Ceremony, which is a time of silent remembrance of those who have faced cancer.

Everyone is invited to attend all the Relay events and to participate in this celebration.