Relay for Life a success, despite delay

The Evangeline Parish Relay For Life was held Saturday, May 2, and Chairperson Connie Lamke stated that many volunteers were on hand to celebrate survivors and raise funding for cancer patients in this parish.
“We could not have held this event without the help of many, many volunteers,” she said. “From caregivers to visiting queens, everyone played a part in making this event successful.”
One of the main events was a BBQ cookoff sponsored by Teet’s Food Store. Evangeline Parish Police Jury member Rocky Rider was the winner in the chicken division and police jury President Bryan Vidrine won in the pork division. Vidrine also won people’s choice and overall Grand Champion. The bakeoff winner in all things chocolate and cakes was Anita Fontenot. For the first time, the relay held a competition for the best boudin in Evangeline Parish and also the best cracklins in the parish. The winner for the best cracklins was T-boy’s Slaughterhouse and winner in the best boudin contest was Shop’s Grocery.
T-boy’s sponsored the boudin eating contest, which featured team members eating boudin with their hands behind their backs. The winner of the boudin eating contest was Joyce Latigue with Sisters on the Go.
Everyone had a great time throughout the day with fire truck rides and fun jumps, face painting and bottle rockets. Hamburgers, hot dogs, cheese fries and crawfish were some of the foods prepared throughout the day. As evening approached, everyone enjoyed the music of Holly O. Perysh Lyne and the event closed out with Wicked Waters.
“We held different events throughout the year to raise funds for the American Cancer Society,” Lamke said. “To date, we have raised over $20,000 for the 2015 Evangeline Parish Relay.” Lamke also stated that this money is earmarked for citizens of Evangeline Parish who are battling cancer. The American Cancer Society helps with things like transportation for treatment, wigs, prosthetics and many other types of support. It is important to know that the money you donate here, helps cancer patients here at home.
“Thank you to everyone who did their part, there are so many to name and so many businesses that donated items for the silent auction or food to be cooked or money to fund research. There is no way possible to thank everyone without missing someone,” Lamke stated. “So I will just say thank you to each and every one who gave their time, participation and love.”