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VIDALIA, La. — Friday, May 2, marks the 30th-annual Relay For Life of the Miss Lou celebration and the 40th anniversary of Relay for Life nationwide, which raises money for cancer research and finding a cure, said organizer Denise Darnell-Davis.

To celebrate, the Miss-Lou is pulling out all the stops.

“So far, we’ve raised $27,813,” she said, adding they set a high bar for their fundraising goal at $100,000. Last year’s activities raised around $60,000.

In the lead so far is Concordia Bank & Trust with over $10,000 raised, and Trinity Medical isn’t far behind, Davis said.

“Every dollar raised counts toward finding a cure,” she said.

To wrap up another Miss Lou Relay For Life, Friday’s event from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Vidalia Recreation Complex has fun activities for all to enjoy, she said.

Activities include jumpers, a rock-climbing wall, a trampoline and inflatable games. A $20 wristband gives participants unlimited access to these while supporting the cause.

There is also a variety of delicious food options that are served by teams, including fish fry, sausage dogs, and much more. “So if you leave hungry, it’s your fault,” said Davis with a laugh. Relay entry is free and open to the public. Shuttle rides from the parking lot to the relay site are available.

Beginning at 4 p.m. is a survivor reception followed by the Relay activities at team laps at 6 p.m. Themed laps begin at 7:45 p.m., where participants try out the limbo lap, glow lap, kids only lap, birthday lap and 80s theme lap.

An event highlight is the luminaria service beginning at 8:45, followed by a memorial presentation at the main stage honoring those who lost their cancer battle, those who survived and those who are still fighting the fight, Davis said.

“It’s a fun night to honor cancer survivors, remember those we have lost their fight and continue the fight for a cure,” she said.

Those who wish to help the cause can also make a donation at www.relayforlife.org/missloums or contact Davis at (318) 953-0461.