Fifty-one teams have organized for Chilton County’s Relay for Life, and team captains have until March 9 to register their team.

Relay coordinators have set a goal of 55 teams, at least $20,000 in sponsorships, and a net goal of $160,831 for 2010.

Several team captains eagerly registered Tuesday for the annual fundraiser, which benefits cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

“It’s real exciting to see the number of teams we have thus far,” Relay chairperson Ann Glasscock said. “I think we have some new participation this year.”

This year’s theme is “Making Memories Last and Last,” and that seems to be a goal of volunteers in Chilton County each year.

The Relay event will begin Friday, April 30 at 6 p.m. and last until 6 a.m. the next morning. Entertainment will include local rock and gospel acts, karaoke from each decade, and an open mic time for cancer survivors to tell their stories.

Relay entertainment chairperson Elizabeth Byrd said the activities are intended to help participants stay for the duration of the event.

“The reason we do that is because those with cancer cannot stop. They cannot stop because they’re tired or because it’s inconvenient,” she said.

Awards will be presented to the top fundraising school, business, church, organization, new team and the top all-around fundraising team.

Fundraising activities for this year include several bike rides, yard sales, raffles, T-shirt sales, Boston Butt sales and more.

For more information, call Morgan Choat at (205) 930-8885, Ann Glasscock at 389-1577 or visit relayforlife.org/Chilton. See The Clanton Advertiser’s daily Community Calendar for Relay events as they come up.