Get ready to “Relay” as the Covington County Relay for Life event kicks off today with opening ceremonies at 6 p.m.

Event coordinator Ressie Gray said the night is the culmination of countless hours of hard work for area teams and an evening of celebration and remembrance for those lives touched by cancer.

“We are so excited. It’s going to be a great evening filled with fun things and moving moments,” Gray said. “We’ve got music, fireworks and lots to look forward to.”

Opening ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m., followed by the “Survivors’ Dinner” at 6:30 p.m.

“Immediately after the opening ceremonies, we will have the survivors’ lap around the field,” she said. “If you have never been to a Relay event, this is something you need to see. It is the prime example why we work so hard to raise money — to see those survivors walking, it’s amazing.”

Gray said there are a few schedule additions to this year’s line up, such as special music from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m., followed by a fireworks show by Bama Boy Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.

“There’s just so much going on, it’s hard to fit everything into one night,” she said.

On Tuesday, the organization held “Bank Night” where area teams turned in all the monies collected, bringing the total collected to $94,000, Gray said.

The fundraising goal is $113,000, and there are 26 teams with 326 registered members in this year’s Relay event.

“I think we’re going to make it,” Gray said. “People still have the opportunity to turn in money up until midnight. We can make it.”