Danny Westfall âThe Bubble Manã ready to entertain the kids with his bubble wagon

The Wetzel County Relay for Life held a FUNdraising Event benefitting your American Cancer Society on July 24, 2021 at the Wetzel County Court House. It was a festival type atmosphere, featuring the celebration of cancer survivors, remembering and honoring loved ones who have battled cancer with luminaria, entertainment, and more.

Luminaria lined Main Street and the Wetzel County Courthouse Steps.

Wetzel County Relay for Life Chairman Betty Klug, committee members Sharon Efaw, Lori McCoy, and Senior Community Development Manger Carmen Hathaway, the American Cancer Society, plus many others planned the event to be held at the Courthouse until things return to normal after the pandemic.

Chairman Klug said, “I am happy with the turnout and wanted to thank all the donors, sponsors, everyone involved. We appreciate the County Commission for allowing the use of the Courthouse steps and for their support. Thanks goes out to all the many volunteers you helped make the event a success, as the fight goes on against this terrible disease cancer. Almost anyone you talk to has been affected by cancer whether it be family or friends and we hope with our fundraisers we can make a difference.”

There was a nice crowd on hand to enjoy the festivities that included the Shortline Junction Band, cornhole, food, raffles and Danny Westfall with his Bubblewagon for the kids to enjoy. The Shortline Junction Band is a local band that plays Bluegrass music.

Front of the Courthouse

Members include Rick Tincher playing the banjo, Ben Tharp on the guitar, and vocals, Buggs Eddy on the bass, and Dustin Terpenning playing mandolin. A large crowd enjoyed the band and their good Bluegrass sounds.

Sharon Efaw, Relay for Life Committee representative, said, “my granddaughter Jocelyn Brown from Crandall, Georgia attended the event in honor of her mother Kim (my daughter) who is battling cancer for the third time. Jocelyn has been a big supporter and stands strong for Kim and wanted to show her support by attending our Relay for Life event. It breaks my heart, but I am so proud of my young granddaughter for being here.”

Long-time New Martinsville resident Bill Estep is a three-time survivor of cancer and said, “I just had a good check-up from my doctor and test with no signs of the disease as of now. You just never know when it will return though and just enjoy every day.”

A beautiful night to join in the battle against cancer

Shortline Junction performs on the Wetzel County Courthouse steps for Relay for Life Event

Pictured left to right: Lori McCoy, Sharon Efaw, Jocelyn Brown and Betty Klug.