Tuesday evening was filled with fun spirit at the Carl C. Morgan Convention Center, as cancer survivors and their supporters celebrated life at the annual Sherri S. James Annual Survivor’s Banquet.

The banquet, which serves as a kickoff event for the annual Dallas County Relay for Life, attracted more than 100 people, Dallas County Relay for Life coordinator Tanya Miles said.

“We have beat the bushes and begged and begged, borrowed and begged, and we’re dog-tired,” Miles said. “We come here on this Tuesday night to this Relay event to see the faces of who we were out there beating the bushes for it makes it all worth while.”

The ceremony included a door prize giveaway, musical performances, awards giveaway, a Mardi Gras parade and more.

Selma residents and cancer survivors Sharon McGuire and Tracey Palmer Jr. were crowned king and queen of the banquet and led a Mardi Gras parade around the inside of the convention Center. Selma resident Ereine Jones, who has been free of breast cancer for more than 53 years, was recognized at the banquet as the individual who has lived the longest after their cancer diagnosis.

“It feels good to be among other survivors, see how well they are doing and meet people you haven’t met before,” Jones said.

Bridget Mills, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life co-chair, said the American Cancer Society appreciates the support in their fight to beat cancer.

“I want just let you all know that the American Cancer Society appreciates your commitment to make this annual event,” Mills said.