Special to The Post-Searchlight

Shortly after sundown on Friday, April 20, the lights will dim, the candles will be lit and a centerpiece of Decatur County’s Relay for Life event will begin.

The luminaria ceremony honors the community’s cancer survivors and remembers those who lost their battle with the disease. Participants will circle the Bainbridge Middle School track that will be surrounded with glowing luminaria that bear the name of someone who has battled cancer.

The Relay for Life opening ceremony begins at 6 p.m., and the luminaria ceremony will begin at approximately 9 p.m. This event is the most solemn.

The Relay For Life invites the public to be a part of this special ceremony by purchasing a white luminary bag for a $5 donation or a gold luminary bag for a donation of $25. In addition to the luminaria around the track, a special “Tribute Torch” may be purchased in the amount of $50 “In Honor” or “In Memory” of your loved one touched by cancer.

Forms to purchase a luminary are at various locations throughout Bainbridge, or you could send the information and payment to Ashley Whitaker, 236 River Oaks Road, Bainbridge, GA 39817. The required information is your name, phone number, mailing address, the person or persons “In Memory” of or “In Honor” of; number of luminaries and type; total amount enclosed, team name to be credited with your purchase; and the name and address an acknowledgement card you would like to have sent.

The organizers also plan to have a visual presentation of your loved ones name and picture if you would like to supply a photo. Email the picture to gkwilecki@bellsouth.net.

Please send in your donation no later than April 13.