MENDOTA - What a sight to see - luminaria bags lit up after sundown all around the Relay for Life track – all part of the desire to remember family members and friends.

Purchasing a luminaria in honor or in memory of someone affected by cancer serves as an important reminder that there is still so much work to be done in the fight against cancer. Luminaria donations count toward both individual and team fundraising goals and may be given in advance of the Upper Illinois Valley Relay for Life event or may be purchased the evening of Relay.

A luminaria bag donation is $10 per bag. The purchaser may decorate their bag with pictures glitter, stickers or text about the person for whom the bag has been donated for or a member of the Luminaria Team will print names and other information requested by the donor on the bag.

To purchase luminaria bags prior to the Relay, call Brenda Grobe at (815) 993-1625 or visit the Relay’s website, www.RelayFor Life.org/uiv.il. Any questions may be directed to Grobe. Individuals who would like to have the pictures of the people on their luminaria bags also shown during the Luminaria Walk via computer generation should contact Grobe on how to accomplish this.

Luminaria bags may also be purchased on the day of Relay from 4-8 p.m. by stopping at the luminaria table that evening. A special luminaria lighting ceremony to remember all those who have been affected by cancer will begin at 9 p.m. Bring your tissues because this ceremony is moving and inspirational.

The Upper Illinois Valley’s Relay for Life event will begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 14 at Mendota High School. The public is invited to attend, even if they are not on a team, as there will be games, entertainment, a Dessert Walk, Silent Auction and raffle for an iPad, bicycle, kitchen makeover and sports teams’ tickets as well as food vendors for everyone’s enjoyment. Those who are on a team will enjoy additional activities that are planned throughout the night. The Relay’s closing ceremony will be at midnight.