By Colin Budd
Over 930 people were at Bud Miller All Seasons Park on Friday night, even though the temperature was close to zero.
Even snow fall in the morning during the closing ceremony couldn’t wipe away the enthusiasm of the over 90 teams that took part and were treated to 210 survivors taking the initial Victory Lap, much earlier Friday.
“Considering the weather, we had a fantastic turnout,” said Canadian Cancer Society Lloydminster unit manager Travis Keel.
The event raised $250,000 as of Monday morning, with donations still pouring into the Lloyd office.
The weather wasn’t the enemy all weekend, as Mother Nature cooperated for the luminary ceremony.
“The wind calmed right down, like it knew exactly what we were doing, the weather just gave us a little breather and we were able to enjoy the ceremony,” said Keel. “The luminary ceremony is second to none.”
Being uncomfortable for an evening is a small price anyway, said the city’s mayor.
“The journey that people make when they are fighting cancer and their caregivers is a very difficult journey,” Mulligan told reporters after the Victory Lap. “For people to spend the night here tonight (Friday) and feel a little adversity, just brings a closer connection.”
An event like Friday night’s requires dozens of volunteers and true to form, the community didn’t disappoint.
“Stuff like this wouldn’t happen without them,” said Keel.