KING CITY — Communities across South Monterey County will join together Saturday, Aug. 8, for the inaugural Paint the Valley Purple campaign, a valley-wide awareness event leading up to the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of the Salinas Valley next month.
The event will travel through the Salinas Valley with stops in King City, Greenfield, Soledad and Gonzales, bringing together survivors, families, friends and supporters to honor those affected by cancer, celebrate survivors and raise awareness in the fight against the disease.
Organizers describe the initiative as a kickoff to this year’s Relay For Life, which will be held Sept. 19 in downtown Salinas.
“We are excited to announce our upcoming kickoff event, Paint the Valley Purple, on Aug. 8,” organizers said. “Join us as we travel through the valley, raising awareness and showing support.”
The day will begin with an 8 a.m. kickoff in King City before continuing through four South County communities:
- King City: 8:30 a.m., Downtown Plaza, 326 Broadway St.
- Greenfield: 10 a.m., Parkside Park, intersection of Parkside Street and Hick Avenue.
- Soledad: 11:30 a.m., Cesar Chavez Park, 555 Front St.
- Gonzales: 1 p.m., Central Park, 207 Fifth St.
The City of King is inviting residents to help kick off the valley-wide event.
“Join us on Aug. 8 as we Paint the Valley Purple in support of Relay For Life. Together, we raise awareness, honor those impacted by cancer and support the fight to end it,” the city said.
Nancy Valdez, senior manager for the American Cancer Society, said each city will host its own public event as the campaign makes its way through the valley.
“Each city will be hosting its own unique Paint the Valley Purple event, open to the public,” Valdez said. “These gatherings are a great opportunity for community members to come together, show their support and help raise awareness. We encourage everyone to join in and be part of this meaningful initiative.”
The event will conclude in Gonzales, where the city is encouraging residents to attend the gathering at Central Park, calling it the city’s first Paint the Valley Purple event.
“Hosted by our partners at the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, this special initiative will bring our community together to honor those impacted by cancer, celebrate survivors and show support for those currently fighting,” the city said in a social media announcement. “We invite you to come together with us as we paint Gonzales purple in recognition, remembrance and hope.”
Paint the Valley Purple serves as a lead-up to Relay For Life of the Salinas Valley, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, beginning at 4 p.m. in the 100 block of Main Street in downtown Salinas.
According to the American Cancer Society, Relay For Life brings communities together to honor and remember loved ones affected by cancer, celebrate survivors and caregivers, and raise funds to support cancer research, patient services and advocacy efforts. The event features a survivors lap, caregiver recognition, entertainment, a luminaria ceremony and fundraising activities.
More information and registration are available at tinyurl.com/2026Relay4LifeSV.
