A big screen memorial to those remembered in the Torch of Hope Ceremony, a young contemporary Christian/country singer from Birmingham, and a”chicken run” for the children will all be part of the upcoming Butler County Relay For Life for the American Cancer Society.

The team roster continues to grow, standing at 37. “Teams are, of course, the biggest part of Relay and we are excited to have three new teams that have joined us this year – Connector Manufacturing, McKenzie Cyclists’ Club and Cambrian Ridge,” Relay Chair Galahad Smith announced at the Wednesday board meeting.

Smith reminded members there is still time to register teams for the May event.

A new feature at this year’s Torch of Hope Ceremony at Relay will be a big screen featuring a Power Point montage of photos of those being memorialized. “We will be asking those who purchase Torches of Hope to also submit a photo of their loved one, and it will be scanned and shown on screen during the event as their name is called. We feel this will add a truly personal touch to the event,” Smith said.

Torches of Hope are available for a donation of $100 and include a tiki torch with purple Relay ribbon and engraved brass plaque. Luminarias (white bags) to honor and remember those stricken with cancer are available for a minimum $5 donation; Caregiver Luminarias (purple bags) to honor caregivers are also available for a $5 donation.

Also new to the Luminaria Ceremony will be a young Birmingham singer-musician, James Taylor, who will perform a 30-minute set following the conclusion of the ceremony. “James is a contemporary Christian/country artist and a very talented and professional performer. His own father died of cancer, and this is his way of helping others in their cancer battles,” Smith said.

Planned activities continue to abound, with a “chicken run”added for the kiddies, and a pancake eating contest tentatively set for 3 a.m.

Smith said he continues to be committed to staying – as the ACS recommends – from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. “Sells Equipment’s team has already pledged to stay the entire night, and if we can get just a few more teams, that will be a great start for us,” the Relay chair said.

The Western-themed “Rustlin’ for a Cure” is set for May 8-9 at the Greenville YMCA.