Saturday's Relay for Life relocated to Desperation Church

Patrick Camp, The Cullman Times, Ala.
Updated ·2 min read

Apr. 26—Organizer's for this weekend's Relay for Life event received notice earlier this week that due to construction delays brought on by recent weather, the event would need to be relocated from Depot Park. The annual walk will now take place next door to the park at Desperation Church.

Events Chairperson Helen Allen said she was notified by Cullman City Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism on Tuesday that ongoing renovations at Depot Park would not be completed in time for the event Saturday, April 27.

CPRST Director Nathan Anderson said he was notified on Monday that excess rain resulted in a storm drain at the park to collapse late last week which diverted crews away from planned construction for several days.

CPRST Central Office Manager Kelly Pulliam said crews are expected to be pouring concrete until Wednesday, and that it would be a safety concern for large crowds to gather in the park at this moment.

"After all the rain we have had, it has just gotten delayed," Pulliam said. "Once we realized [the park wouldn't be ready] it was just a safety issue and that it probably wouldn't be a great idea to have a bunch of people in the park because of trip hazards and it being a construction zone."

Pulliam said she met with Relay organizers and presented several alternative locations such as the Cullman Economic Development Agency parking lot or the nearby Festhalle.

Ultimately Allen and her team decided to hold the event at the property across from Depot Park owned by Desperation Church. She said all activities will continue as planned despite the last minute relocation. Survivor tents will set up in the building's parking lot and the patio will be used as a stage. Allen said she has also spoken to Cullman City public safety director Brian Bradberry, who has agreed to close a portion of Elizabeth Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, for the event's car show.

"They [Desperation Church] have really worked with us well and we are really proud of it," Allen said.

Pulliam said CPRST crews may need to work around a bit of the ongoing construction, but that the kickoff for the Strawberry Festival — also held in Depot Park — Friday, May 3, would continue as planned.

"We may have to make some modifications to certain areas or do some things to certain areas to make sure it's safe, but this is no construction compared to last year," Pulliam said.

Relay for Life is from 5-10 p.m. with the survivors dinner at 5 p.m.