Luminaria ceremony rescheduled
Published 11:48 am Saturday, September 1, 2018
FRANKLIN
When stormy skies came in to interfere with the Franklin/Southampton County and Emporia/Greensville Relay For Life on June 2, the organizers naturally put everyone’s safety first and sent everyone home. The evening’s luminaria — which poignantly remembers loved ones who died from cancer, as well as honors their caregivers — was postponed until a new date could be determined.
All who participated then, as well as anyone else who wants to attend, are invited to the ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 9, at Barrett’s Landing in downtown Franklin.
One of the event organizers for whom Relay means so much is Elizabeth Drewry. With her business, Star Security and Investigations, Drewry was responsible for the safety and security of those who attended the first event. She provides the security at no cost as an in-kind donation
“[Organizer] Billie [Turner] brought me in about four year ago. She asked me to participate,” said Drewry, who is also on the leadership team and the event planning. “I enjoy it. I have had quite a few family members with cancer. My sister is a survivor. Relay is very near and dear to my heart.”
“People can just show up,” said Drewry.
The day’s activities begin at 5 p.m. Jerry’s Roadside Grill, a food truck, will serve from 5 to 7 p.m.
Cecil Edwards and Friends will perform music.
Recognitions will be at 7 p.m., which includes presenting two awards. The Chester Burgess Award is named for the late Burgess, who “lost his battle to cancer” on May 20, 2001. He is credited with forming the local Relay. The award is given to a volunteer who has demonstrated the same commitment as Burgess. Last year, Brian Fenters was the recipient in 2017. The second honor is for a business that has supported the Relay, and is named for the late Pete Clark, founder of WLQM. Drewry’s business was the recipient in 2017.
The luminaria follows the awards, and the program ends by 9 p.m.