More than 175 cancer survivors, the largest turnout in the history of the county's event, attended the relay, which began Friday evening and ran through early Saturday morning.

"We had a wonderful turnout and the community was well represented. We had people from about every town in Franklin County and had good weather for the first time in a long time," said Dave Dieckhaus, co-chairman.

To date, this year's event has raised about $169,000, according to Dieckhaus.

"Last year, we raised over $175,000, and since donations are still being accepted through Aug. 31, we should be very close to that amount," he said.

The goal of this year's relay is $200,000 for the American Cancer Society.

A total of about 80 teams took part in the festivities, games and fun.

The event began with opening ceremonies, which included speakers such as Relay Chairman Tom Aholt, Washington Mayor Dick Stratman, radio talk show host Diane Jones and the 2009 Hero of Hope Danica Garbs.

A 15-year cancer survivor, Garbs told her story to the crowd about how she was diagnosed with a Wilms' tumor in her left kidney.

Garbs was recognized with a poster, which was on display throughout the night.

Last year's Hero of Hope Wendy Wildberger also was honored at the event and, in a surprise announcement, was named the grand marshal in this year's Washington Town and Country Fair parade.

After the speakers, survivors, wearing purple shirts and holding purple balloons, participated in a survivors lap around the fairgrounds as people stood to the side of the track applauding. The survivors were later joined by their families and friends.

Leading the ceremonies were cancer survivors, Caleb Hoelscher, age 5, Emma Brune, age 4, and Ruth Buddemeyer, a 45-year cancer survivor.

The event also featured music, games and activities including a water balloon drop sponsored by the Washington Volunteer Fire Company, a fight back ceremony, obstacle course for children and adults, scavenger hunt, Nintendo Wii tournament and karaoke contest.

The Queen of the Relay contest returned this year. About 12 men dressed in women's clothing and had 45 minutes to ask people to fill up their purses.

"We also had a silent auction for the first time and that went really well," Dieckhaus said.

After dark, all lights were turned out for the luminaria ceremony. Over 2,000 luminaria bags lined the track, each holding one candle, depicting the name of a person who either lost his or her fight with cancer or who has survived the disease. Names were read aloud during the ceremony.

"People in the community really showed us what they're made of and everyone seemed to be pushing real hard to make the event a success. The committee did a great job this year," Dieckhaus said.

Plans for the 2010 event will begin in the next few months, he noted.

For more information or to make a donation, people may visit www.relayforlife.org/franklinmo.