Wheelin' 4 Healin', Relay for Life's 26th-annual event, is Friday

SHELL LAKE — The 26th-annual Washburn County Relay for Life, Wheelin’ 4 Healin’, is this Friday, June 14, at Shell Lake Memorial Park’s lakefront pavilion, with the opening ceremony at 6 p.m.

Relay Co-chairs Kate Folstad and Steve Clay chose the theme to encourage participants to bike, as well as walk, along the path from the park to Tiptown and back.

“It makes sense because it keeps people off the highway,” said Folstad. “It’s an easy, (safe) walk.”

Participants can also walk along the park path if they choose.

The committee encourages everyone around the county to “paint the town purple,” the signature color of the American Cancer Society’s event, which raises funding and awareness of cancer. People can put purple decorations in their businesses or yards.

This year’s goal is to raise $30,000.

The Relay includes an opening ceremony and survivor lap, live music by Joe Weiss and Barry Nelson, DJ music by Bob Forsythe, a luminary ceremony on the beach after dark and a reading of those who are being remembered or honored. This year’s honorary speaker is Mary Hemshrot, who has been cancer-free for 25 years.

To sign up, visit relayforlife.org/washburncountywi.