As you walk in, someone is there to take your money and stamp your hand. Soundhouse is blasting in the background, there are people everywhere dancing and having fun. Just another night at the Mad Moose Saloon, right? It could be, but tonight it’s Binghamton University’s fourth annual Relay For Life. The 12-hour event, which is held at the Events Center, starts at 5 p.m. and lasts until 5 a.m. tomorrow.
The American Cancer Society event is designed to raise money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and education. College Relays have been going on since 1998 and have raised over $10 million. BU’s past three Relays have raised approximately $258,000 combined.
To get in it’s $20 at the door, but for that you get food and drinks for the night and all the entertainment, fun and friends you can ask for. It may cost about the same as going Downtown, but the proceeds raised at the event remain in the Southern Tier to aid in the fight against cancer.
According to Candice Geller, a freshman business major and the event’s entertainment and activities co-chair, said the planning committee hopes to have over 2,000 people in attendance.
This year’s entertainment schedule is a who’s who of the Binghamton entertainment circuit. Popular campus bands Soundhouse and Party Edition are confirmed to perform, as well as many of the dance groups including the Ballroom Dance Team. Several of BU’s a capella groups including the Treblemakers and the Harpur Harpeggios (Pegs) are also scheduled to perform.
Relay For Life is more than just music and pizza though. Geller said there will be many things going on this year.
“There will be a lot of entertaining performers and great activities to do,” she said.
Looking to get your hair cut? Traditions at the Glen will be there cutting hair and doing nails as well. You just have to have 10 inches of hair to donate. If you like your luscious locks the way they are, there will still be activities for you to participate in. At the event there will be therapeutic messages, video game tournaments, a moon bounce, a scavenger hunt — complete with prizes for the winners — and even an inflatable jousting arena.
“You’ll have to come to see what it’s all about,” Geller said.
So, if you’re looking for something more than just another night Downtown, Peter Chernek, Relay For Life logistics co-chair, said Relay is a nice alternative.
“It’s a good thing to do,” the senior mathematics major said. “You don’t have to stay the whole time, but it’s an amazing experience to see the event through.”