The Pike County Relay for Life’s 14th Annual Event will kick off tonight at the Troy Recreation Soccer Fields.

Beginning at 6 p.m., residents from all over the county are invited to gather and help continue the fight in curing cancer, a fight many Pike Countians have been working toward for years.

Since its beginning, local American Cancer Society Representative Kay Franklin said the county residents alone have raised more than $2.1 million. This year, the teams are hopeful to increase that number even more.

“A Rainbow of Hope” is the theme for this year’s event, which is set to raise $200,000.

Co-Chair Pam Little said while economic conditions have not been favorable for many, she doesn’t anticipate Relay for Life fundraising efforts to skip a beat.

“I think the economy has not hurt us as bad as we were afraid it was going to,” Little said. “Pike Countians really come out for relay.”

The final say, of course, won’t be until the close of Friday’s event, but with clear weather predicted, Little said she feels it will be successful.

Right now, 34 teams are registered for the event, and Little said more could still come who didn’t pre-register.

“I think this year has gone very good. We’ve had great teamwork going on,” Little said.

The night officially kicks off with the opening ceremonies and the survivor walk at 6 p.m., but Little said entertainment will start before that with dance performances from the Troy School of Dance at 5 p.m.

Through the evening, relayers will be entertained with several performances and games.

The Luminary Ceremony will be held at 9 p.m., and the Relay events will close altogether at 11:30 p.m.

“I encourage everyone to please come out,” Little said. “It’s going to be a very, very wonderful night.”