04/19/2026
The 12th Annual Tartans and Tie-Dyes Celebration for Relay for Life was truly something special, more than we could ever fully put into words. Our hearts are overflowing with love and gratitude for every single person who shows up year after year to make this event what it is. Twelve years… twelve beautiful years of bringing people together, sharing music, lifting one another up, and watching something truly magical happen as a community united in the fight against cancer.
This year, together, we raised $3,700 and donations are still open through the links in the comments for anyone who feels called to give.
We want to take a moment to give our deepest thanks to Michael and Chris-Ellyn Steen. Their unwavering dedication and selfless love are the heartbeat of this event. Because of them, this space where community and compassion come together continues to exist, and it is an absolute honor to be part of what they create.
To our incredible volunteers, thank you for the time, energy, and heart you pour into every detail, from planning to setup to teardown. This event would not be possible without you: Elizabeth and Kevin Payne, Lauren Monilaws, Katy Elaine and Charlie Carr, Brenda Porter-Rockwell, Cherie M Apperson, Kendra Gaul Popelka and Carol Kaelin.
To our amazing bands, thank you for sharing your gifts so generously. Many of you travel from different states and give your time freely, and that kind of love does not go unnoticed. We are so grateful for each of you: Clan MacCool Band, Winsome, Shanty Grass, Rider Band Official, Cats On The Blacktop, TIN CAN FISH BAND, Kooler Heads, and Heart of Gold Band with a special mention to Mark Paul and Elizabeth Payne singing Amazing Grace, father daughter duo as well as our sound techs Todd Cooke and Erich Marse.
And to our wonderful vendors, thank you for being part of this family, for bringing your creativity, your kindness, and your support: Scarlet Begonias with Phree Hugs Inc., Sterling Forest Designs, Face Painting by Allison in Wonderland, Tony's Tie Dye, Krispy Creations by Steve S. Neese, Elk Moon Creations, Grateful Roses, Iris Hill Tailoring, The Ross Experiment, Josh Jahsta with Setfreaks, Biff Slimvader Marshall with Caricatures by Biff, Fairy Hair and Temporary Tattoos by MillFarm Christmas Trees & Berry Farm, MPB Portraits, Planet Venius, Kevin Gossett our Bee Charmer, Sauce Apparel Company and so many others who helped make the day unforgettable. We want to thank our raffle donors. Over 70 raffles this year. Your selfless contributions make up for a great percentage of our donations for American Cancer Society Relay For Life and we cannot thank you enough for giving. Last but absolutely not least, to Billsburg Brewery for hosting us each year. As this event grows from year to year, we are truly grateful for the space you give us to be able to hold such a heartwarming event.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of something bigger than all of us. This is what love in action looks like. 💜 "Always a hoot. Always a hoot."
Tags are in the comments so you can follow these local musicians and vendors for their future events.
