By The Capistrano Dispatch
The 10th annual San Juan Capistrano Relay for Life is set to take place Saturday, June 29, to Sunday, June 30, at the San Juan Sports Park, 1 Via Positiva.
The 24-hour overnight event begins at 10 a.m. and benefits the American Cancer Society. Relay members will camp out and take turns circling a track in honor of cancer survivors and victims.
The event is free to attend. This year’s entertainment lineup includes an opening ceremony performance by the Los Rios Rock School and the Dana Hills High School drum line. The Capistrano Community Mariachi Program will also perform, as well as other musical acts and demonstration teams.
Per tradition, the Relay for Life also includes the luminaria ceremony, starting at 9 p.m. Relay members and guests place lights in white bags, inscribed with the names of those who are battling, have survived or succumbed to cancer.
There will be several activities for families, including a kids’ camp. Most of the activities are free, such as bounce houses and face painting. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Moira Nonnweiler, a credentialed special education teacher, will be on hand to provide child care for special needs children if necessary.
Tickets will also be offered for a dunk tank, where guests can take a shot to dunk San Juan Capistrano Mayor John Taylor, Councilman Larry Kramer and Dispatch founder Jonathan Volzke into a water-filled tank.
A prize raffle will also be available. Participants can buy a chance to win a custom built children’s playhouse valued at more than $7,000. To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Relay for Life will also be selling a special cookbook, with favorite recipes from local restaurants and residents, for $20. All proceeds collected go toward the American Cancer Society.
