By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
A dozen active teams and one silent team are making plans to lead the fight against cancer Saturday as the annual Relay for Life event kicks off at noon.
Allison Faircloth, community representative for Baldwin and Escambia County chapters of the American Red Cross, said the event is focusing on community involvement.
Faircloth said several popular activities are being planned with community involvement in mind.
Faircloth said teams are planning to have hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue sandwiches, chips, cakes, drinks and snow cones available for purchase during the event.
The 12-hour event will begin at noon with opening ceremonies and the Survivors Lap, Faircloth said.
Faircloth said the fundraising goal for the 2009 event was set at $38,000.
Faircloth said a variety of entertainers will be on hand throughout the event to keep the energy high for participants and community visitors.
Friday evening prior to the annual Relay event has been set aside as a time to celebrate survivors with the annual Survivors Dinner at D.W. McMillan Hospital.
The Survivors Dinner is planned for 6 p.m. in the auditorium at D.W. McMillan Hospital, DeGraaf said.
Luminaries will be lit in a special presentation beginning at 10 p.m., DeGraaf said. Those wishing to purchase luminaries in honor of a survivor or in memory of someone may do so until lighting time at the event. Cost for luminaries is $5 each.