Cancer survivors celebrate at Relay for Life of Wood County
(Photo by Amber Phipps) The crowd cheers as cancer survivors complete their first lap at the Relay for Life of Wood County Saturday at Parkersburg City Park.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) The Parkersburg High School Junior ROTC unit carries flags at the start of Saturday’s Relay for Life of Wood County, followed by cancer survivors riding in antique cars or walking around the pond at City Park.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) Survivors finish their first lap around the pond at City Park and ring bells to symbolize the time when they rang the bell at the hospital after completing treatment during the Relay for Life of Wood County on Saturday at Parkersburg City Park.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) Guests attending the Relay For Life of Wood County Saturday at Parkersburg City Park could pick from a variety of treats to snack on during the event. Popcorn, burgers, ice cream sandwiches and cotton candy were the crowd favorites.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) Antique cars lined the pond at City Park before the Relay for Life of Wood County’s survivor lap Saturday.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) Parkersburg City Park was packed with vendors and food trucks at the 31st Relay For Life of Wood County on Saturday.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) Relay for Life of Wood County Grand Marshal Paul Huffman speaks during the opening ceremony for the event Saturday in Parkersburg City Park on Saturday.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) The crowd cheers as cancer survivors complete their first lap at the Relay for Life of Wood County Saturday at Parkersburg City Park.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) The Parkersburg High School Junior ROTC unit carries flags at the start of Saturday’s Relay for Life of Wood County, followed by cancer survivors riding in antique cars or walking around the pond at City Park.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) Survivors finish their first lap around the pond at City Park and ring bells to symbolize the time when they rang the bell at the hospital after completing treatment during the Relay for Life of Wood County on Saturday at Parkersburg City Park.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) Guests attending the Relay For Life of Wood County Saturday at Parkersburg City Park could pick from a variety of treats to snack on during the event. Popcorn, burgers, ice cream sandwiches and cotton candy were the crowd favorites.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) Antique cars lined the pond at City Park before the Relay for Life of Wood County’s survivor lap Saturday.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) Parkersburg City Park was packed with vendors and food trucks at the 31st Relay For Life of Wood County on Saturday.
(Photo by Amber Phipps) Relay for Life of Wood County Grand Marshal Paul Huffman speaks during the opening ceremony for the event Saturday in Parkersburg City Park on Saturday.
Trending
PARKERSBURG -- Parkersburg City Park was packed with cancer survivors, supporters and vendors Saturday evening for the 31st Relay for Life of Wood County.
The event began at 5 p.m. with remarks from a variety of volunteers, including Grand Marshal Paul Huffman, wearing a bright blue hat and sunglasses. Born and raised in Parkersburg, Huffman got involved with the Relay, an event to raise money for cancer research and support services, in 1994.
"The first Relay I did in '94 was when we ran for 24 hours, and I thought, 'That's kind of crazy, who would want to do that?'" he said. "And then that's when I got really into it."
Huffman was diagnosed with cancer in September and underwent surgery in October. He said he was fortunate to have caught it in time and didn't have to undergo chemotherapy.
Huffman urged that everyone, especially survivors and caregivers, participate in Relay For Life.
Huffman has helped with logistics for the event for about 10 years and was recognized for his contributions Saturday.
"I just want you guys to know that all of the stuff that's going on here, he's a big part of it," said Jesica Ross, event lead volunteer. "And we appreciate you more than you know Paul and (are) very, very happy to introduce you as our 2025 grand marshal for Relay For Life."
The first lap around the park's pond featured cancer survivors in antique cars at the front of the line. On a second lap, survivors rang cowbells in a nod to when they rang a bell after completing their treatment at the hospital.
Friends and family were encouraged to join after the first survivor lap and the community gathered to walk together.
Attendees could enjoy food from a variety of food trucks and dessert vendors, including smashburgers, ice cream sandwiches and cotton candy.
Kids could participate in activities like cornhole and the petting zoo. Fundraising efforts continued throughout the evening with a live auction, raffles and more.