Rain-Shortened Relay Still Successful

The Effingham County Relay for Life crew put up a good fight, but finally shut things down Friday evening when the storms grew too intense.

A sizable rainstorm visited Teutopolis Junior High School right about the time for the Survivors Lap at 6pm, but many people braved the rain and still took their lap around the track. The opening ceremony at 5pm also went off, including the speech by survivor Renee McClain.

(THE TROUPE FROM CAYLA'S POWER TUMBLING POSE AFTER THEIR PERFORMANCE IN TEUTOPOLIS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL GYM)

Some people adapted through relocation. Cayla's Power Tumbling went inside the TJHS Gym and presented their performance in memory of many who lost the battle to cancer or who have battled on. Special recognition was given through signs as well as special recognition for Aaron Myers's mother, who died in recent months due to cancer. Aaron is the husband of Cayla Myers.

The Sentimental Journey Quartet made it to perform after having waited in traffic on I-70 near Greenup for two hours due to a traffic crash. Russ Howard showed up for his performance, but the weather had grown too bad by that time.

(DESPITE THE RAIN, THE DARKNESS AND A TWO-HOUR WAIT ON THE INTERSTATE DUE TO A CRASH, SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY STILL PERFORMED)

Plenty of good food and good fun was enjoyed, but the storm put an end to the evening right after the reading of those who had luminaria bought for them, wrapping up about 8:45pm.

Relay Master of Ceremonies Derrick Zerrusen said a videotape of the luminaria would be made available later. Watch for details on the Relay Facebook page. The sacks were not set out due to the heavy rainfall.

This was the 20th Effingham County Relay for Life.