lay For Life changed a lot this year. The local Relay director, Stephanie Shelton, said it was going to be different anyway.

“We are the only Mahoning County Relay event,” she said. “Last year, Boardman, Austintown and Poland merged to create one event moving forward.”

This year’s event saw an added twist with masks and social distancing, but Shelton said the Relay went on with some different and new events.

Instead of having the usual survivors’ lap to kick things off, Shelton said Saturday’s Relay For Life featured a survivors’ and caregivers’ parade.

“We wanted to have the opportunity to celebrate all of the survivors and caregivers,” Shelton said.

To add to the excitement, those taking part in the parade were asked to decorate their vehicles.

Canfield Police led the parade from the parking lot behind City Hall out to U.S. Route 224, then right to the Village Green. The parade went south to Lisbon Street and back to City Hall, where dinner was served.

“The dinner is sponsored by Outback of Boardman, A la Cart, Texas Roadhouse of Boardman, and Giant Eagle,” Shelton said.

The dinners were handed out to each parade vehicle upon its return.

As for the decorated Relay For Life tries something new vehicles, a first, second, and third place prize were given out.

Shelton said 26 teams registered this year, but they couldn’t risk a huge gathering so they altered the program.

“We don’t have a goal this year due to the pandemic. We want to raise as much as we possibly can, but without setting any goals,” Shelton said.

jtwhitehouse@tribtoday.com