VIDALIA — In less than one month teams of cancer survivors and supporters all over the Miss-Lou will gather to see who raised the most money for cancer research at the annual Miss-Lou Relay for Life.

Since 1996 the Miss-Lou has hosted the event, raising thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society and creating a fun, friendly atmosphere for area residents to enjoy.

The 2011 Miss-Lou Relay for Life will be May 6-7 at the Vidalia Riverfront, and Relay for Life Chair Bridgid Martin said so far the support from the community has been incredible.

“All the teams have been really working hard,” she said. “The totals we have gotten so far are outstanding.”

Martin said teams have been doing everything they can to raise money for the event, including hosting bake sales, stopping traffic and even selling Natchez-themed versions of Monopoly.

Approximately 50 teams are participating, Martin said.

“Everybody is working hard, and everybody is making good money,” she said. “The teams are just doing an incredible job of fundraising.”

The event will be at the Vidalia Riverfront again this year even though organizers originally planned to move it to the Vidalia Recreational Complex.

The move to the complex was scheduled after security issues at last year’s Relay including the shooting of a 17-year-old.

“We thought the (recreation complex) was going to be ready in time for the Relay, but it was not,” Martin said.

More security officers will be present this year to ensure things run smoothly, Martin said.

“We will have 50 officers from the Vidalia Police Department and the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office there,” she said. “There will be plenty of security.”

With Relay getting closer each day, Martin said she still has some details to work out, but things are looking good for the festivities.

Martin said she hopes the community continues to give back and support the Miss-Lou Relay for Life because of the positive it brings to the people affected by cancer.

“It is all about those people in the purple, the survivors,” she said. “We want them to be able to get to their next birthday. We want a cure.”