Autumn Family Fundraiser to Support the Revitalized Relay for Life

Rallying for a Cause: Fall Festival Kicks Off Fundraising for Relay for Life of Monroe County

Hey, Monroe County! As we transition into the crisp and colorful season of fall, it’s not just about pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters. This October, the appeal for community involvement takes a sweet turn, and here’s why you should mark your calendars. The upcoming Family Fall Festival, a brand new initiative by Relay for Life of Monroe County, promises to be an exciting day of fun and fundraising. It is set to take place on October 26 from noon to 5 p.m. at the popular Kreps Apple Barn & Cider Mill, located at 12500 Minx Road.

This festival introduces an array of autumn-themed activities designed for all ages, featuring a pie-eating contest, a corn maze, a golf ball drop, and a unique junk food walk. What’s even more enticing? Admission is just per person or for a family, though some activities will include additional fees.

Kristin Pilon, the senior development manager for the American Cancer Society, shared insights into the festival’s primary aim: to raise ,000. “We are working hard to keep Relay events relevant throughout the year,” Pilon stated, highlighting the commitment of volunteers like Karen Kidd, who brought this festival to life. Traditionally, Relay for Life events occur each summer, raising critical funds for cancer research and support services provided by the American Cancer Society.

Revitalizing They Way We Relay

Excitingly, Pilon indicated that plans for the 2025 Relay for Life are underway, with organizational efforts focused on confirming a new location and revitalizing the event. “We do not have a date for the 2025 Relay for Life as of now,” Pilon clarified, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing the experience of fundraising and community support.

Participants at the Family Fall Festival can anticipate the area’s only pie-eating contest, featuring delicious apple pies sourced from local grocery giants like Meijer or Walmart. But that’s just the icing on the cake—and the festival is set to offer much more. The junk food walk, inspired by a classic cake walk, will have attendees walking along a path until the music stops, awarding prizes like chips and sweet treats from beloved brands like Hostess and Little Debbie.

For those who enjoy DIY activities, the festival will also include various fall-themed make-and-take crafts, food trucks, bobbing for apples, face painting, hayrides, a ring toss, and an engaging duck pond game. Plus, a corn maze will surely be a hit for anyone seeking a little adventure!

Fun with a Purpose

It’s important to note that while much of the fun is free, some activities require registration and additional fees. Participants interested in the cornhole tournament, pumpkin decorating contest, or pie-eating contest will need to register beforehand, with fees set at for cornhole, for pie-eating, and additional costs for pumpkin decorating.

And for those wanting to test their luck, tickets for the highly anticipated golf ball drop are also on sale. Limited to 200 tickets priced at and 100 tickets at , this raffle offers a chance to win 50% of the ticket sales, an enticing opportunity for attendees eager to support a good cause while potentially walking away with a nice cash reward.

Looking to the Future

This festival isn’t just a one-off; Pilon hopes to make it an annual event for Relay for Life of Monroe County, providing opportunities for fun and fundraising year-round. Along with the Family Fall Festival, the organization has other exciting events lined up. Upcoming fundraisers include a Craft and Vendor Show on November 9 at the Mall of Monroe (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), followed by an Online Holiday Auction from November 16 to 23. There are also plans for more classics like a Pizza Palooza, a comedy show, and other community events that are yet to be confirmed.

With all this in mind, now is the perfect time to get involved. Whether you want to participate in the activities, volunteer, or spread the word, the grassroots effort tying community fundraising with vital cancer research is an initiative that’s close to home for many.

For more information on how to register for the activities and get vital details about the festival, visit RelayForLife.org/MonroeCountyMI or check out their Facebook group for updates.

Together, let’s make a significant impact in the fight against cancer while celebrating community spirit at the Family Fall Festival. Get ready for a day of fun, laughter, and camaraderie—all for a great cause!

For questions about the festival, feel free to reach out to Karen Kidd at 734-735-0589 or email her at jkkkidd@yahoo.com. And to learn more about how you can be involved in the planning for Relay 2025, contact Kristin Pilon directly at Kristen.Pilon@cancer.org or call her at 734-624-0571.

So grab your friends, family, and an appetite for fun—see you at the festival!