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Blooming Prairie goes pink in preparation for 15th Annual Cancer Benefit

Lead Summary

The Field of Flags is flying once again, and Blooming Prairie businesses and homes are decorated once more. The community is looking forward to the 15th annual Cancer Benefit scheduled for Sept. 11 and 12. 
In the past 15 years, the BP Cancer Group has raised over $500,000 for cancer research. The group has also established the Community Fund, which helps local people in need who’ve been touched by cancer. 
Throughout the week, both Casey’s General Store and Vandal’s Family Market will also offer an opportunity to benefit the cause. For just one dollar, customers can write the name of a loved one on a note that will hang in the store during the week.  
Once again, the pink flamingos can also be spotted flocking around town, traveling from yard to yard. This fun tradition is another way for the group to raise funds. Friends and pranksters can have the flamingos set up in someone’s yard. In order to send the flamingos flying on their way to a new yard, the recipient must pay $10  towards the cause. One-year insurance can also be purchased for  $50.  As of last Thursday afternoon, the flamingos had already made five trips to different yards within Blooming Prairie. 
The annual auction is scheduled for two nights, Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12. The auction will take place underneath “the big tent” outside the Cue Company in Blooming Prairie at 7 p.m. each night. This year, there are hundreds of great items to bid on, whether visitors are searching for a gift idea or looking for a way to treat themselves. Just a few of the items include a family vacation package, gourmet dinner meal and much, much more.
On Friday evening, there will also be a special guest at the auction. Gail Dennison, Hormel Institute’s Director of Development and Public Relations, will share her thoughts shortly after the auction gets underway.  
On Saturday morning, the BP Cancer Memorial Walk begins at 10 a.m. (Registration is from 8:30 to 10 a.m.) The walk will come to an end at the Field of Flags. The Field features 250 flags, each in honor or memory of someone who has dealt with cancer. 
From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., “Cut for a Cure” will also take place at the Field of Flags. There, guests can enjoy games, face-painting, “crazy hair,” haircuts, chair massages, manicures, food and even purchase bracelets. All proceeds will also benefit the cause. 
On Saturday night, Early Bird Bingo begins at 4:30 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. Stix of Fury will perform. 
The BP Cancer Group volunteers have been working hard to help make these events possible, and they hope the community will join them in their efforts by attending the various events in Blooming Prairie this week. 
 “We have fun with it and we hope to see a lot of people,” said volunteer Cheri Krejci. 

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