Winneshiek County Relay for Life brings in at least $40,000

A new format for the Winneshiek County Relay for Life brought out large crowds Thursday.

Instead of holding their annual fundraiser on a Saturday at Viking Stadium, the organization held its event in place of Thursday night's usual Lawn Chair Night in front of the Winneshiek County Courthouse.  Thursday's event featured three bands hired by the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, as well as the group's traditional walks for cancer survivors and caregivers and a luminaria ceremony.

Organizers say they still have contributions to collect, but the event has already raised over $40,000.