Photo provided to the Times Observer The luminaria is one of the highlights of Warren County’s Relay for Life event. The 2021 edition is set for Aug. 7 at Betts Park.

Last year brought restrictions to, well, about everything.

One event that’s planning a “big comeback” in 2021 is the Warren County Relay for Life. This year’s event is set for Aug. 7 at Betts Park and will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

“Having ‘hope’ is the key word for the relays worldwide as the volunteers work hard to bring hope to cancer patients and their families,” Wendy Carter, advertising coordinator, explained.

The theme for this year is country western: “Hope Ranch.”

“There will be food trucks, games, live music, raffles and demonstrations throughout the day,” Carter said. “It is a day filled with fun, laughter and tears with several teams working together to make this event happen.”

The “special highlight” of the day is a luminaria event.

White bags are decorated and dedicated to those who have been impacted by cancer in one way or another by memorial, tribute to a survivor or caregiver or even a relay volunteer. The bags are then placed all around the walkway and illuminated.

“It is a beautiful and heartwarming reminder of all those we have lost and those we have helped to save,” Carter said.

And while planning is well underway, it’s not too late to jump in.

“New teams and individuals who would like to join us may feel free to,” Carter said. “It’s never too late! All they have to do is register through the Relay for Life online.”

That web address is https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr–id=100268.

Like many events, this one couldn’t happen without its volunteers.

“The many volunteers that are involved in the Relay for Life spend the entire year working hard and are the heart and soul of the event,” Carter said. “They come from all walks of life from the young and old and work together as one big family. It is a way to meet new people, help those in need and support the community.”