The inflatable palm trees, seashells and canoe oars on the track at the Lied Recreation Center Sunday morning may have came as a surprise to some, but they were just part of the theme of the Blooming Idiots’ campsite, one of the many teams that participated in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

Roger Wiese, president of Fighting Against Cancer Together, said more than $74,000 was raised at the event. More money per team was raised this year than last, he said.

“That will help out a lot to fight cancer,” said Wiese, senior in horticulture.

Volunteers arrived at the rec as early as 4:30 a.m. in preparation for the event’s 7 a.m. kick off.

April Samuelson, vice president of the organization, said the largest teams were the Blooming Idiots and a group representing the Pella Corporation.

David Flory, leader of the Blooming Idiots, said the 31-member team originated from the horticulture department about eight years ago.

Flory, graduate student in physics and astronomy, said the team was started by his wife who attended Iowa State at the time.

Cuba Flory of Tipton commuted to participate in the event. She said many of the team members return each year.

David Dunn, income development specialist for the American Cancer Society in Des Moines, said 1,000 people participated this year.

“It was a great event, a great day for us,” he said.

About 25 teams were university affiliated, including groups representing the Horticulture Club, Rugby Team and the women’s soccer team, among others.

Jennifer Davis, government relations lobbyist for the American Cancer Society, participated in the event for the first time this year. Although she said she is able to see laws passed that will help fight cancer in her job, she was able to “see the real deal happening,” when people came together to raise money.

Incentives like T-shirts, basketballs, watches, televisions and tents were provided for walkers and runners who raised certain amounts of money.

After the final “Victory Lap,” there was an awards ceremony. Contributions can still be made to the Story County Relay for Life by contacting David Dunn at (515) 727-0067.