The annual Relay for Life was cut short by high winds sweeping through Friendship Park over the weekend.
The event ended after a luminary ceremony late Saturday night, instead of the scheduled Sunday morning, but organizers said it was a great event nonetheless.
‘We had 33 teams,? said Teri Donaldson. ‘We’re really starting to fill that park up.?
Donaldson noted wind gusts as big as 70 miles per hour came through the park Saturday night, taking hold of a few tents along the way.
‘There were definitely some flying tents,? she said. ‘I almost got hit by one myself.?
Donaldson said the organizers are still waiting to determine the top fundraising team, but the race appears to be between ‘Hoping for Happy Days? and ‘Blaze the Trail,? last year’s top fundraiser from the township offices.
More Relay for Life activities are planned for the month, including a classic car show at Lake Orion High School from noon-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 31.
Donaldson said they will consider different dates for next year’s event, in hopes of landing better weather conditions, but quickly noted that Friendship Park will remain their home.
Conditions were windy throughout the day, but during their survivor ceremony around noon on Saturday, Donaldson said a rainbow appeared out of nowhere.
‘It wasn’t even raining,? she said of the rainbow sighting, which came as Kathy McMinn was singing.
The tents were taken down later in the day and the event wrapped up around 11 p.m.
‘People were just staying specifically for the luminary ceremony,? Donaldson said (see pictures to the right).