In 2018, Relay for Life changed to a 12-hour walk to raise awareness for cancer and to honor those who have survived the disease.

A Mini Relay for Life involving school children grades 3-5 takes place in late May at Oriole Field. About 800 youth from area schools usually participate.

Pledges are taken and participants walk the track around Ludington's Oriole Field Saturday from noon to midnight. The Opening & Survivor Ceremony/ Lap is at 12noon. A Survivor Luncheon is at 12:30pm and Team Lap begins. At 9pm, luminaries are lit and placed around the oval, representing those touched by cancer and honoring ones who lost their battle. The Closing Ceremony & Pizza Party is at 11:45pm.

In 2018, other activities on Saturday include a Silent Auction, Mascot Challenge, kids laps including Bucket Brigade, music by the Mason County Central Jazz Band, a local worship team and Joey Mankus, Kibby Creek Campground Kids Train, Home Depot Building Station, and Inflatables.

In 2017, teams and sponsors raised almost $58,000 toward the fight against cancer. In Mason County alone, the Road to Recovery program was started to get patients the much needed transportation for cancer treatment. To date, this program has logged over 26,000 patient miles. In addition, $15.4 million in research grants is currently at work in Michigan, with $1.4 million at the Van Andel Institute of Grand Rapids.

If you or a loved one have dealt with cancer, Relay for Life is a way to fight back, and your help is needed. Participate by walking, or give monetarily. The American Cancer Society is dedicated to early detection and education, to helping people get well through services and programs, and to continuing the search for a cure. For more information on how you can join the Mason County Relay for Life, call Taylor Chrisman at (231) 690-2287, or email her at taylorchrisman@cancer.org.

More Summer Events in Ludington...

For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in West Michigan:

Ludington Activities & Things to Do -- Play on a beautiful beach, take a tour at Historic White Pine Village, or explore the barn quilt trail, murals or sculptures in the county--Ludington offers many fun things to do for the entire family!
Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
Hamlin Lake -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing and climbing dunes! The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- Visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbortown village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park beach on Pentwater's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lots of Activities in Scottville, Michigan -- Explore the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Canoeing or Fishing on the Pere Marquette River -- Many boat liveries offer canoe rentals.
Also, check out West Michigan Guides and our locally produced WestMichigan.MichBiz.com directory for our largest lists of Things to Do in West Michigan.