By Eric Stock

NORMAL – McLean County Relay for Life is expanding its hours and activities in hopes of bringing families back to the event after participation dropped in recent years.

New event lead Catrina Struble said the 23rd annual relay at Normal Community High School is back to a 24-hour event, starting Friday at 4 p.m. and will include an antique car show, a kids play area and live music around the clock, along with the usual relay events that pay tribute to those who have lost their battle with cancer and those who are still fighting it.

“Part of the problem was we kept doing the same stuff over and over every year,” Struble said. “So hopefully by adding more and by keeping the momentum going for 24 hours, hopefully we will see a bigger crowd come out.”

The goal is to raise $300,000 for the American Cancer Society. The money supports cancer research and programs.

Struble noted participation had dropped in recent years as the event scaled back to 18 hours.

“I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that 24 hours is a long time to have to stay up and then set up and tear down,” Struble said. “Really, you are going for a good two or three days. I think the decision is we have more help this year and we have a lot more to keep people interested.”

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].