It will be a warm 50 degrees when runners start around Lake Jackson in today’s Cancer Freeze 5K at 9, and before the day’s events are over, highs are expected to reach 63.

The fundraising event was established in 2007 by Caleb Davidson in memory of family and friends who had passed away with cancer. Proceeds will be split among nine beneficiaries, after, for a $20 entry fee, skiers brave the waters of Florala’s Lake Jackson in the middle of the winter.

This year’s beneficiaries are Rylan Pettie, Megan Kelley and Bailey Byrd, all of Andalusia; the family of the late Glenn Morris of Crestview, Fla.; Richard Barnes of Florala, and Sheryl Evans and Stacey Spears Leddon of Paxton, Fla., and Florala Mayor Robert Williamson.

There’s a gospel sing at Florala’s First Baptist Church Friday night, as well as a slate of events on Saturday, including a chili cook-off, bass tournament, silent auction, car show and more. Davidson said District Attorney Walt Merrell has even pledged to shave his head if $20,000 is collected by today.

 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

7 a.m. to Noon – Bass Tourney $50 per boat.

7 a.m. – 10 a.m. – pancakes or Biscuit and gravy, $5 per person.

7 a.m. – Raffle begins inside the Rodney J. Evans Conference Center. See Raffle table for ticket purchase.

8 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Blood/Platelet Drive by LifeSouth.

8:45 a.m. – All 5K Participants meet at amphitheater for National Anthem and prayer

9 a.m – 5K run/walk begins at airplane – finish line marked – return to amphitheater for award presentations. Cost is $25 per person. Register at active.com or print application at Cancerfreeze5k.com. May register day of event but no t-shirt guarantee.

9 a.m. – Music begins at amphitheater (entertainment throughout the day).

9 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Register for Poker Run. 10:30 AM Kickstands Up! (Huddle House)

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Balloon Release every hour with church bells. Cost $3 each or two for $5.

Free inflatables for kids; however, parents must stay with children.

10 a.m. – Opening ceremonies at amphitheater

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Car show (beside airplane)

10:30 a.m. – Shave Your Lid for A Kid! Cost $10 per person.

11 a.m. – Chili cook-off. Vote with your change. The pot with most money wins. INSIDE

Noon – Watersports begin – Davidson leads off, with everyone else to follow. Cost is $20 per person.

1 p.m. – Live Auction begins inside Rodney J. Evans Building.

2 p.m. – Skifetch demonstration.