BOWLING GREEN – Since a Relay for Life is no longer held in Pike County, a “Celebration of Life” event was held on Friday, Sept. 13 on the lawn of the Courthouse.

The event was sponsored by the Cancer Memorial Park Foundation and the First Presbyterian Church in Bowling Green.

Luminaries lined the sidewalks to Cancer Memorial Park. The names of individuals who have battled cancer were read as luminaries were lit. The event also featured a Survivor Walk around the square with Jim Arico and Karen Leverenz leading the way with the banner.

The Celebration of Life began with a dinner for survivors at the First Presbyterian Church at 6 p.m. Survivors also received a complimentary purple shirt.

A large crowd gathered in front of the War Memorial in the Courthouse lawn for the service following the meal. Music was provided by Heather Daffron and Karen Arico. Chad Perkins served as emcee. The VFW #5553 honor squad presented colors.

Karen Daffron, president of the Cancer Memorial Park Foundation Board of Directors, spoke at the event. She offered a brief history of the park, pointing out there are over 150 pavers bearing the names of those affected by cancer. There are also numerous benches that have been purchased for the park, which also features a fountain and a statue of Jesus.

“It’s a solemn place,” she remarked, adding it is the only place for some to come and grieve.

Pavers and benches are always available for purchase. Order blanks are available at Bouquet Florist (next to Cancer Memorial Park). A website for the park is currently under construction and will include a downloadable order form.
Prior to the survivor lap, a former Relay for Life team, Country Friends, presented the park with a donation for $192.
Find more photos from the event on the KJFM Eagle 102 Facebook page, along with highlights from the Champ Clark Heritage Day festival that was held on Saturday.

Photo: Cancer survivors Karen Leverenz (left) and Jim Arico (right) led the survivor lap and carried the banner at the Celebration of Life event on Friday, Sept. 13