Relay For Life will take over the Mennonite Heritage Village Friday evening to raise funds for cancer services and research.

Vice-Board Chair Theresa Bergson has been involved with Relay For Life for the past seven years and says MHV is a unique and beautiful setting for the 12-hour fundraising walk event adding she is excited for what the evening will bring. Bergson notes the 'hope' lanterns will be lit near the windmill and that's also where the main stage will be situated with entertainers lined up for the evening including Frannie Klein and Dan DeSorcy. She adds, there are a few additional changes this year.

"It always seems to be a little chilly and this year, because we're at the museum, we can't do little bonfires, which has always been the kumbaya feeling of it, but not this year. We still want you to come out and stay with us for the evening. You can still park your trailer and pitch a tent."

Vice-Board Chair Theresa BergsonShe notes it's shaping up to be a unity opportunity to bind Steinbach together. Bergson says, as a board, they are very appreciative of the volunteers and are always looking for more help to run various parts of the night. If you are interested in volunteering, you may call Marcie Friesen at 204-381-7777.

Bergson adds they are also putting more into their children's activities for the evening.

"There's a sleepy out kind of scenario, as well as arts and crafts, train ride and bouncers. So, if you want to come out during the day and support us, you certainly can bring your wee ones, that's something we encourage you to do."

She says she got involved because, "my mom passed from pancreatic cancer, the ugliest thing you'll ever see in your entire life. So it became something that my brother and myself felt passionate about. You also realize, not to play with the term, but you aren't alone. There's so many people who come to this relay who walk together, cry together and heal together. So it's a phenomenal feeling when you get there; the overwhelming passion people bring to it."

Each cancer survivor wears a bright yellow T-shirt during the walk and Bergson says when dandelions start growing and it's a sign of hope that winter is over and summer is on its way. Likewise, she notes the ever growing amount of yellow survivor T-shirts show hope.

The 2016 Relay For Life begins on Friday at 5 p.m. and runs until 5 a.m. the following morning.