File photoLast year’s Lauderdale County Relay For Life raised $251,000 in the fight against cancer. This year’s event, set for Friday at the Meridian Community College soccer field, has a goal of $255,000.

 

Relay For Life of Lauderdale County officials are hoping for high turnout at this year’s annual event promoting cancer awareness.

The 2017 American Cancer’s Society’s Relay For Life is scheduled for Friday at the Meridian Community College soccer field. This year’s goal is to raise $255,000; the event last year raised $251,000.

This year’s theme “Give cancer the boot”, is cowboy-related, and 50 teams have registered to participate. Gates open at 5:30 with a host of family-friendly activities planned for the night, according to event lead Cathy Raley.

“We’ve got lots of games for kids, raffles, a tug-of-war, entertainment and lots of good food,” Raley said.

The survivor’s lap, which recognizes the courage needed to fight cancer, is planned for 7 p.m., while the luminaria ceremony is scheduled for 10 p.m., Raley said.