Attendees are shown at Beaver Dam United Methodist Church’s Wheels on Fire-Cancer Crusaders’ Smash Out Cancer in 2022. This year’s event is on Saturday, Aug. 19, at the Akron Community Center, 815 E. Rural St. Photo provided.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

AKRON — An event which has raised thousands of dollars over the years to help Kosciusko and Fulton County cancer patients returns Saturday, Aug. 19.

Beaver Dam United Methodist Church’s Wheels on Fire-Cancer Crusaders’ Smash Out Cancer is from 4-9 p.m. at the Akron Community Center, 815 E. Rural St. Funds raised from the event are donated to the cancer care funds in both Kosciusko and Fulton Counties.

As in previous years, there will be a variety of entertainment and food.

The latter includes walking tacos, hot dogs, chips, burgers, drinks and ice cream from The Igloo Ice Cream Shop.

Ed Rock kicks off entertainment at 4:30 p.m., with Debra Collier’s School of Dance performing at 5 p.m. Mike Bowers performs at 5:30 p.m., followed by Kylene Crabb at 6 p.m.

New this year will be kids’ games, with putt-putt golf, a ring toss, Skee-Ball, Plinko and spin the wheel. Prizes will be awarded.

At 6:30 p.m. the live and pie auctions take place.

The Light Up Your Life Memorial Service is at 8:30 p.m., with candles to be lit in honor or in memory of people’s loved ones and their names read. People may buy the candles and ribbon ornaments.

Wheels on Fire’s Christina Morehouse said the goal of the event is support.

“When patrons attend Smash Out, we hope that if they themselves have lost someone to cancer or are fighting the battle, that they feel supported,” she said. “For those who attend to support our organization, we hope they leave feeling the desire to continue helping those in need in our community. No one should fight alone, and that is our hope: that no one feels alone in their battle.”