At this morning’s Chamber Coffee, Relay for Life hosted the gathering of Fort Scott’s business professionals and visitors. Brian Holt of Union State Bank introduced Bailey Lyons, Chairperson of Bourbon County Relay for Life, and Sean O’Brien, Vice President. Lyons said, “We are at crunch time–the Relay for Life starts at 6:00 PM tomorrow night.” Gina Findley reported that Bourbon County Relay for Life had raised $49,500 so far. Findley said “Our goal is $60,000–it is doable.”

Lyons and O’Brien outlined the entertainment for this year’s event, which includes a host of local talent. According to O’Brien, performers will include The Wayward Bettys, Alex Scimeca, several Fort Scott Idol contestants and others.

In addition to entertainment, Relay for Life is also providing an incentive for participation. According to Lyons, for every hour of participation, walkers will receive an entry into a drawing for a Kindle e-reader.

Participants and spectators will also have access to concessions during the event, which will be set up by Gene’s Heartland Foods, and the Fort Scott Fire Department will be serving breakfast at 5:00 AM after the start of the event. In addition, Lyons mentioned that the Ellis Fine Arts Center at FSCC will be transformed into a lounge for cancer survivors so that they will have access to an air-conditioned building.

In other news:

• Fort Scott National Historic Site will host a special event this Saturday evening at 6:00 PM entitled “Vignettes on Parade: Highlights of Fort Scott History presented in a summer evening program.”
• The Bourbon County Master Gardeners Secret Garden Tour will be held Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Tickets may be purchased at Country Cupboard or the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce. Tickets cost $8.00 in advance and are $10.00 at the garden gate.
• The Fort Scott Country Music show will be held Sunday at 2:00 PM at Memorial Hall. Ticket cost is $12 for adults, and individuals 15 and under get in free.