Wednesday's Internet Edition, September 08, 2010.

An event called “Paint the Town Purple” is set for Friday, May 21 in downtown Spencer.

According to Roane County Relay for Life Chairman Mendy Milhoan, the new event will serve as a kickoff for the 12th annual Relay set for June 11-12 at County Stadium at Roane County High School.

Most of the activities during Paint the Town Purple will take place on the courthouse square, starting at 5 p.m.

Ribbons recognizing those who have battled cancer will be placed in the trees around the courthouse, including lavender ones for survivors and purple ribbons for those who have died.

The ribbons are available for a $5 donation and can be purchased in advance, as well as the night of the event. Those who sponsor the ribbons may hang them, or have a Relay volunteer do it for them.

Downtown business will also be encouraged to purchase large purple bows from the cancer society to show their support.

Each team participating in the Relay is expected to have a booth. Some will offer concessions; others will have crafts or handmade items for sale while others may offer an activity.

A Rubber Ducky race is also set for Spring Creek, starting near the Alvord bridge and ending at the foot bridge behind Spencer Middle School.

Ducks will be sold in advance for $5 and the first duck to cross the finish line will win its sponsor a 40-inch flat screen TV. Other prizes include Longaberger baskets.

Additional plans for the evening include live music downtown and inflatables for children.

Milhoan said there would also be karaoke to help contestants get ready for the American Relay Idol Contest the next month.

A candle-lighting ceremony is set for 8:30 p.m., just before the event winds down at 9 p.m.

Several things are still in the planning stages, with more announcements expected as the event draws nearer.

“We want to do several things to get everyone psyched up for the Relay,” Sebrina Greathouse, chairman for the Paint the Town Purple event, said. “We want to get everybody involved and maybe we will have more people attend the Relay.”

Milhoan said the new event is a first for Roane County, but could become an annual occurrence.

“This is the first time we have done it,” Milhoan said, “but I think it will be something we do every year.

“It’s our way of bringing the Relay downtown and getting more people involved,” she said.

“I think it will be a lot of fun,” she said, “and maybe more people will come out to the Relay the next month because they know what is going on.”