Otter Tail County Relay For Life Kickoff Set for March 22

The Heart of the Lakes Relay For Life, known until recently as the Relay For Life of Otter Tail County, will hold its kickoff celebration Sunday, March 22, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Perham Sportsman's Club. The event is open to anyone interested in joining this year's effort to raise funds for cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

The kickoff is designed to bring together the organization's leadership team, team captains, current members, and prospective participants under one roof. Attendees will receive the information and resources they need to lead their Relay teams through the spring and summer fundraising season.

This year's theme, "Monopoly: Passing go to find a cure," will shape both the kickoff and the main event. Organizers say the East Otter Tail Fairgrounds may look a lot like a Monopoly board come July, with fun features of the game woven throughout the day. The March 22 kickoff will offer a preview of those elements while helping team leaders prepare for the months ahead.

The 2026 Heart of the Lakes Relay For Life is scheduled for Friday, July 10, at the East Otter Tail Fairgrounds, located at 455 4th Ave SE in Perham. The event is one of the few overnight Relay For Life gatherings in the North Region, running from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. and centered on honoring survivors, remembering those lost to cancer, and sustaining nonstop community support for the cause.

Survivor and caregiver programming is a core part of the Relay model. Special events and activities are available throughout the year specifically for survivors and caregivers, connecting them with others and with a broader support network.

Anyone with questions about Sunday's kickoff or about joining a team can contact Relay Event Chair Lisa Peterson at (218) 371-7174 or team coordinator Emily Poulson at (952) 210-8531. Additional event information and registration resources are available through the event's page at RelayForLife.org.