JACKSON – The theme for this year’s Relay for Life event in Northampton County is “Carnival for a Cure: Step Right Up and Knock Cancer Out.”

“We’re trying to create a carnival atmosphere,” said Event Coordinator Laquitta Green-Cooper, inviting everyone to bring their families and join the two-day fundraising event in the fight against cancer.

The 2017 Relay will take place at the Cultural and Wellness Center, located at 9536 NC Hwy 305, Jackson, on Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20. This year marks the sixth annual battle against cancer in Northampton County.

Their fundraising goal is $50,000.

Before the opening ceremonies officially kick off, a few events such as campsite set-up and a survivors and caregivers reception will take place Friday afternoon. The campsite competition is from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. and the reception begins at 4 p.m.

The opening ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. with Erik Parker serving as the Master of Ceremonies. The opening event will include a welcome

from County Manager Kimberly Turner, the posting of colors by Northampton County’s JROTC, the National Anthem sung by The Barrett Family, mission and prayer by Rev. Dr. George M. Jerman, Sr, and “God Provides” by Margaret Powell of the Survivorship/Caregiver Committee.

This will be followed by laps dedicated first to cancer survivors and then to caregivers.

The “Relay Strut Your Stuff Procession” will begin at 6:50 p.m. and will include the 2017 Survivor of the Year, the Caregiver of the Year, former Survivor and Caregivers of the Year, event leaders, team captains, among many others.

7 p.m. will mark the beginning of the Victory Dance with Purple Gloves, featuring performances from several local groups, leading up to the Moment of Silence at 9 p.m., signaling the beginning of the luminaria ceremony.

“We are turning our sorrows into celebration and converting our loss into action. We have put faces and voices on this disease. We know we have made a difference, and we will continue to make a difference.” These encouraging words are printed with this year’s schedule of events.

Team activities kick off with a host of carnival games beginning after midnight and running through 7:30 a.m Saturday morning. There is a variety of fun competitions for teams such as a sack race, kick ball game, tug-a-war, a hula hoop contest, and a dodge ball game. Every team, however, should make sure they still have at least one team member on the track at all times.

Saturday morning’s events start with breakfast at 7 a.m. followed by morning devotion and a lap honoring veterans and active military at 8 a.m.

The “Ride for a Cause” Motorcycle Ride and Car/Truck Show will begin at 9 a.m. with registration for participants starting an hour beforehand.

More entertainment and activities, including Kids Fest, will continue throughout the morning until the closing ceremony begins at 11 a.m.

This year’s Relay will conclude with a final “Victory Lap.”

With the support of the community, each Relay for Life event puts everyone a step closer to knocking cancer out. Come join the “Carnival for a Cure” this weekend in Jackson to help reach that goal.