NORWICH – The Chenango Relay for Life committee is hoping to Paint the County Purple once again this year for what’s become a popular annual event with local businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals across the county. On Wednesday, hundreds are expected to adorn themselves, their establishments or their offices in purple to promote the Chenango Relay for Life event on July 19-20.
“It’s been so great to have the support of some of our local elected officials – creating proclamations to “go purple” for the day around the county,” said Event Chair Marie DeSarro. “Their support of Relay For Life is so important to us, as they can really help us spread the word to our communities.”
As such, proclamations will be read in New Berlin, Norwich and Greene as part of the event. The committee has reserved East Park in downtown Norwich, added DeSarro, and committee members will be readily available to provide information and answer any questions regarding July’s main event. Norwich Mayor Joe Maiurano will read the proclamation at 12:30 p.m.
According to DeSarro, there has been a great response from area restaurants, as well as other local establishments in the area that have pledged to go purple for the day. She stated she has noticed a definite spike in participation from last year.
“When we visited places, they’re remembering last year and they’re doing more to decorate and dress up,” DeSarro added. “We knew it was going to take a few years for the event to catch on, but we’re so glad it has grown each year.”
Participating businesses will be decorated in purple - , including balloons, napkins, placemats and much more. Individual participation can be as simple as dressing in purple, planting purple flowers or flying a purple flag.
Said DeSarro, “A lot of times we’re confused with the school and hopefully this year all of the events and the information spread around town will help everyone realize that we’re doing this to promote the upcoming Relay For Life.”
DeSarro strongly suggests those who participate in Wednesday’s event take photos. They will be shared on the Chenango Relay for Life website, and any Relay team which submits a photo of its participation will be submitted into a contest for the most decorated or best dressed, she added. Photos can be sent via email to Relay.Chenango@gmail.com.
It’s hoped the Paint the County Purple event will garner more interest and get more people involved in July’s event.
“We can never say thank you enough to all of the local communities throughout Chenango County,” commented DeSarro. “Their continuous support of this great event is so overwhelming. It continues to grow each year ... everyone finds a way to keep fighting for a cure.”
Those looking for more information on this year’s Relay for Life can email Relay.Chenango@gmail.com; like the Facebook page Relay For Life of Chenango County; follow the twitter feed @RFLChenango; or visit relayforlife.org/chenangocountyny.