The Middle Peninsula Relay for Life will welcome Grand Ole Opry member, ACM award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist Mark Wills to its 2019 Fight Cancer Fest on Aug. 17 at the Abingdon Ruritan Club in Bena.

Last year, the Middle Peninsula Relay brought country music singer Tony Jackson to Gloucester, but the threat of a hurricane in August pushed the event into November. Ticket sales were still good regardless, said local Relay chairman Melissa Edwards, so she decided to go that route again this year.

“We really needed to do something to bring new life to the Relay,” Edwards said. “This year, a lot of people have called and are interested because of Mark Wills. We’re excited, and we want to keep bringing known artists to the area.” 

Hogge Realty helped to make Wills’ appearance possible with a $10,000 presenting sponsorship. Virginia Country Real Estate and the 104.9 WIGO country music station in White Stone each contributed $5,000 ente...