Relay For Life of Chilton County will host its annual kickoff on Thursday at 6 p.m.

The kickoff, which is free, will take place at the Alabama Power Conference Center in Clanton, will feature a lasagna dinner catered by County Lane Too, as well as a cancer survivor speaker that is to be announced.

Courtney Brock, chairperson for Relay For Life Chilton County, said the kickoff will discuss the upcoming event as well as the move to Goose Pond Park in Clanton — the Relay was held at Clanton City Park in 2013— as well as give those in attendance a better understanding about what Relay attempts to accomplish.

“We’ll be talking about the new location,” she said. “(As well as) learning about the services provided by the American Cancer Society and the event itself.”

Brock said the reason for changing location was to provide better shading from the heat, as the event will take place April 25, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

According to the Relay For Life website, the event “is the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer. It unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all.”

Brock said the kickoff will have a Hollywood-style theme this year.

“The theme is ‘Lights, Camera, Cure,’” she said. “It’s be going to be like a red carpet event. The directors will be dressed like (the characters from) the Wizard of Oz to get people involved.”

Brock said all in attendance are encouraged to take part in the costumes.

“Any movie character,” she said. “It could be Disney, it could be George Clooney, any character or person in a movie. Anyone is welcome to dress up.”

While Brock said she hoped those in attendance will take part in the costume festivities, they aren’t required.

Brock also said the main goal of the event was to get as many people interested in Relay For Life as possible.

“They can just show up,” she said. “It’s not a formal thing. Just come as you are. We really want…survivors (to come).”

For more information on the kickoff, contact 334-301-2304.