If weather predictions hold true, water participants will be ‘freezin’ for a reason’ as the 2013 Cancer Freeze event kicks off Saturday.

Cancer Freeze is an annual fundraising event held each February to benefit a person from South Alabama or Northwest Florida who is battling cancer. Participants donate a minimum of $20 to water-ski, wakeboard, kneeboard or tube in the frigid waters of Lake Jackson.

Organizer Jennifer Davidson said this year’s beneficiaries are Kaleb Jones, the toddler son of Florala High School football coach Justin Jones and his wife, Joni; Dee Ladd, a 50-year-old from the Harmony Community; and Megan Landreth, a 25-year-old Walton County, Fla., pediatric nurse.

“This year is shaping to be the best event since starting in 2007,” Davidson said. “Things have grown so much. The first year we ordered 25 T-shirts and ended up having to give them away because couldn’t sell them. This year, we ordered 1,000 and are hoping that we have enough.”

Davidson said the events will begin at daylight with a bass tournament; a 7 a.m. pancake breakfast; an 8 a.m. blood drive; and a 9 a.m. 5K race. Opening ceremonies will be held at 10 a.m.

“There’s plenty to do throughout the day, from bounce houses to a 5K and chili cook-off,” she said. “It’s a good day – a sight to see.”

The highlight of the day – the water sports – begins at noon.

For those wishing to ski, boats and equipment are provided, but participants may also bring their own boats and equipment, Davidson said. Water participants receive a Cancer Freeze T-shirt and a bracelet with their donation.

“But lawn chairs won’t be provided for those who want to watch, so make sure you bring your own,” she said.

An assortment of free kids events will also be held throughout the day, as well as a poker run and live auction.

Parking will be available at First Baptist Church, the Florala Piggly Wiggly and around the lakeshore. Concessions and live music also will be available throughout the day.