Rockin’ N Relayin’ is the theme for the 2017 Pike County Relay for Life culminating event on May 5 at the Troy Sportsplex.

In choosing this year’s theme, Relay co-chairs Deedie Carter and Leigh Ann Windham said fundraising is the focus of the annual Relay for Life campaign but involving the community is also extremely important.

“Our 2016 Relay for Life campaign was very successful in raising funds for the American Cancer Society and we are confident that it will be again because Pike County has always strongly supported the ACS’ fight against cancer,” Carter said. “This year, we also want to make Relay more of a community event.”

Carter said historically those who are not on a Relay team are less likely to attend the Relay event.

“We want Relay to be a community event and we want everybody to know they are welcome,” she said. “So, this year, Relay will be traditional. We will continue with the Survivors’ Walk which is a celebration of those who have won their battles with cancer and the Luminary Walk in which we honor and remember those we have lost to this disease. We will also have the awards program that recognizes the top team and individual fundraisers.”

But, Carter said the 2017 Pike County Relay for Life celebration will also be non-traditional in that there will be no team tent designations.

“We want to come together as a community to celebrate the victories won over cancer and in the commitment to continue the fight until we have victory over this terrible disease,” she said. “The community has been welcome in the past, but the teams were divided by tents and if you weren’t on a team, you felt like you didn’t really belong.”

There will be a designated grilling area for those who what to enjoy the fellowship of a tailgate atmosphere. There will also be food vendors with offering of festival type foods.

Those who would like to bring picnics are welcome to do so.

“Rockin’ N Relayin’ will be the combination of a huge tailgate party and an open air concert.

“We’ll have three stages set up on the grounds with three bands playing a variety of music, from country to ‘60s music and even some rocking,” Carter said. “The bands featured will be Johnny Barron and the Waterfall Band, Alonzo Russell and the 225 Uptown Band and Lenny Trawick and the Country Rhythm and Blues Band There will be music for every age from children to senior adults. There will be plenty of places for dancing.

“This will be a Relay event for the entire community. There will be no team designations. We want everybody to be a part of Rockin’ N Relayin’ and to feel a part of it.”

The 2017 Pike County Relay for Life board is inviting and encouraging countywide participation in Rockin’ and Relayin’ on Friday, May 5. The event starts at 6 p.m.

“Bring lawn chairs or blankets and join friends and neighbors at this very special Relay for Life event,” Carter said.

Carter said the Relay team will begin selling purple ribbons for mailboxes and businesses next week. Those interested in buying the ribbons can contact Carter at 334-672-0955.