The glow of hundreds of luminaria bags outlining the Litchfield High School track can be an awesome sight in the dead of a June night. But this year, that visual will be considerably shortened.

Unlike years past, the ninth annual Meeker County Relay For Life will not be an overnight event. Instead, the June 20 Relay will start at noon and end at midnight.

“The reason for the change this year is that we want to try something new,” publicity chairwoman Laura Lindeman said.

While the American Cancer Society recommends over-night events to symbolize the darkness of the cancer struggle, as well as the hope in a new day, they are not mandatory, Lindeman said.

In the past, participants have voiced concern that Meeker County’s overnight event tends to fizzle out in the wee morning hours, as community members go home and teams find it difficult to keep at least one member walking the track.

“A lot of the campsites just closed up shop around midnight,” said Sherry Burdick, team captain of Hula for Cure.

The new hours reflect a desire for more community involvement, Lindeman said. By having it during the day, the Relay For Life committee hopes to make it easier for people of all ages to participate.

Read the complete story in the May 15 Independent Review.

This year, Meeker County Relay For Life has commitments from 17 teams and room for more. The committee set a $50,000 fundraising goal — an increase from last year’s $42,000. Visit www.events.cancer.org/rflmeekercountymn for more about the local Relay. Or contact Lisa Hicks, chairwoman, or Lindeman at 693-5370.