AUBURN - There was a time when Chris Major could kick back and relax at his annual Memorial Day backyard parties, but over the past 11 years as his party grew, there isn't much kicking back and relaxing.

“This was just something we always did,” Major said. “And like happens with most parties, it just kept getting bigger and bigger and we started doing more and more.”

Major always went out of his way to make his parties something special, and before too long what was just some friends, food and music in the backyard turned into a full fledged festival, garnering its own moniker, Majorpalooza.

Major marveled at this as he watched people come in droves at the Auburn Correctional Officers Recreation Center on Franklin Street Road.

“It is hard to believe this used to be something with just 20 friends,” Major said. “It is a lot of work but it is also a lot of fun.”

Major said that as these parties grew he realized he could use them as a means to not only provide a good time for a lot of people, but could use it as a benefit. This year marked the second time that Major has helped raise funds for the Relay For life.

“Cancer touches everybody's life one way or another,” Major said. “And the timing works out well with the Relay For Life coming up in a few weeks. I think that it is a good cause and a nice way to be able to help out.”

Last year, with just a raffle, Major said the event was able to raise more than $800. Major estimated that nearly 700 people attended Sunday afternoon, with the proceeds going to help Relay For Life.

Major said this has been possible because of the generous support of many in the community.

“We have a lot of great sponsors,” Major said. “People donating the food and everything. Taylor Rental has been great and Sound Playground has really helped us out a lot and we have a lot of other great sponsors in the community; without them we wouldn't be able to do this.”

Major also realized that he was going to need a much bigger place to hold the party.

“The correctional facility has been great to us,” Major said. “They've really helped us out. This is a great spot, lot of parking, lot of room for people and to have the bands and everything.”

This year's gathering had a little bit of everything, from live music provided by local bands such as Problem Child, Motley Crouton and Johnny Bender to Memorial Day staples such as hot dogs and hamburgers, soda, ice cream and face painting and a moon room for children.

“We really wanted to make this a family event,” Major said. “We wanted this to be something that everybody could come to and have a good time, get together with some friends, listen to some music and just enjoy themselves.”

The parking lot at the recreation center was packed and people of all ages were finding their way to the party.

“I'm having a lot of fun,” said Nicole Fellows, of Auburn. “It is a beautiful day out; I'm here with some friends, good food, music, a good way to spend this weekend.”

With so many people enjoying themselves and raising money for a good cause, Major has big plans for Majorpalooza's future.

“We'll definitely keep this going,” Major said. “It is great to see so many people here and we'll definitely be here next year and we'll definitely keep this going.”