Relay for Life is just a little more than three months away and local organizers are putting their fundraising efforts into full swing, RFL chair Carrie Thomasson said Tuesday.

Thomasson said the public’s help is needed to make the next and biggest fundraiser a success – the annual Miss Relay for Life pageant.

Thomasson said area girls are needed to help raise funds for the $110,000 goal for this year’s Relay for Life, which will be held April 27.

“The pageant really exploded last year with more than 100 participants, and so it became our leading fundraiser annually,” Thomasson said. “We put out time and resources into making this a premier pageant, and truly hope that we raise sufficient money, while bringing Relay for Life awareness to the community.”

Thomasson said the pageant is “a ton of fun for the girls.”

“Every little girl receives an award for participation, which I think is special,” she said. “Just to be able to get on that stage is huge – this coming from someone who typically prefers anywhere but the stage. So, they deserve an award.”

Thomasson said the runners up will receive flowers and sashes, and the queens receive a crown.

“And then, our Miss Relay Queen receives all of that plus $100 and a gift basket of goodies from local vendors,” she said. “Our community support is phenomenal, and they make it possible, along with our committee. These people truly care and truly put their hearts and souls into Relay for Life. They, not me, make this committee what it is and it’s awesome.”

The pageant will be held Feb. 4, at the LBWCC Dixon Center and will feature eight categories for girls ages birth to 18 years old.

Registration forms must be received by Fri., Jan. 27, and are available at Cadence Bank, P&J Formals and the Covington County BOE.

Additionally, anyone who has not signed up their Relay for Life team, is encouraged to do so. This year’s goal is 25 and at last count, there were only six teams signed up.

For more information on the pageant or a RFL team, contact Thomasson at 427-3802.