Two Relay for Life events in Talladega County take place tonight with a joint goal of raising $148,500 for The American Cancer Society.

Organizers for both events are sending out a big call for anyone and everyone with an interest in finding a cure to get out and be part of the fundraisers.

In Sylacauga, Relay events begin at 6 p.m. at the Sylacauga High School Gymnasium with the Survivors’ Reception.

There will be entertainment from the B.B. Comer Jazz Band.

At 7:50 p.m., the Opening Ceremony takes place at Legion Field with the invocation given by the Rev. Manuell Smith. Boy Scout Troop 27, members of American Legion Post 45 and Police Department Color Guards will raise the colors for the opening.

Penne Swearingen will sing “The National Anthem.”

Cancer survivors will be recognized, following by survivors taking the first lap around the stadium. Following a Survivors and Care Givers’ lap, Relay Teams will begin their walks.

Entertainment for the evening includes vocalist Ashley Payton at 8:15 p.m. and at 8:35 p.m., the Mid Life Crisis Band performs.

Between 8 p.m. and 9:45 p.m., there will be childrens’ activities taking place to the left of the stage and from 9 p.m. until 9:30 p.m., a scavenger hunt with Miss Sylacauga, Miss Teen Sylacauga and Miss Ingenue Sylacauga, beginning at the stage area.

The Luminary Ceremony begins at 10 p.m. and the Fight Back Ceremony is scheduled from 11 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.

Entertainment continues with the Out of Shame Band from 11:30 p.m. until midnight, when the Awards Ceremony will be held.

2010 Relay for Life Teams include Abitibi Bowater, Alabama Power, B.B. Comer High School, B.B. Comer Elementary School, Blue Bell Creameries, Childersburg High School, Coosa Pines FCU, Coosa Valley Medical Center, Five Points Baptist Church, Freelancers, Frontier Bank, First Baptist Church of Oak Grove, First United Methodist Church, Heritage Plastics, Imerys, Marble City Baptist Church, Metro Environmental, Odena Baptist Church, Pine Grove Baptist Church, Team Dixie, The Sanctuary, Wal- Mart, and Wright-Sprayberry Insurance.

Organizers for the South Talladega Relay for life include Taylor Logan; event chairman; Judy McMurphy; Tracey Allen; Donna Goodson; Mary Anna Hill; Matt Hubbard; Natalie Hubbard; Debi Jacobson; Walter Jacobson; Linda McAdam; Rex McAdam; Libby Renn; and Celeste Stone.

Cancer survivors in North Talladega County are invited to join the “Celebration of Life” dinner in honor of all survivors starting at 5 p.m. in the Gilchrist Room at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind. Survivors may bring one guest and the dinner is hosted by Survivor Chairs Faye Lucas, Georgia Goodwin-Christian, Teresa Simmons and Shirlean Tuck-Price.

The Survivors and Caregivers’ Lap will begin on the track at approximately 7:30 p.m.

The North Talladega Opening Ceremony begins at 7 p.m. at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Track with a welcome from Cindy Pennington, event chair and Kelly Gilmore, event co-chair.

The flag ceremony will be presented by members of Boy Scouts of America Troop 130 and the national anthem will be performed by Alyson Carden.

The Survivors’ Celebration continues with the second annual Courage Award being presented to Barbara Glover. The award is made to someone who is battling cancer this year.

The 2010 North Talladega Relay’s “Hero of Hope,” Penny Bickerstaff, will then tell the story of her journey and struggle with cancer.

Each survivor at the event will be recognized and given a special gift along with walking the first lap of the night, Gilmore said.

During the second lap, caregivers will join survivors as a “thank you” for all their support.

During a special ceremony, purple balloons will be released in memory of or in honor of those who have battled pancreatic cancer sponsored by the Clowning for a Cure Relay Team.

Entertainment continues throughout the night with Alyson Carden, Teresa Carden, Randi Owens and Jeb and Hank Fannin performing. Little House Dance Studio ballerinas will also perform, along with Amanda Green doing a special dance in memory of her father, Thomas Green, who passed away this year from lymphoma.

“All the Relay teams will have games and activities, raffles, items to sell and lots of food,” Gilmore said.

“There will be a cake walk and “Let’s make a deal game” for everyone to enjoy. We hope everyone will dig into their pockets and bring the family, the neighborhood and everyone they can to support this wonderful cause.”

At 9 p.m., a time of reflection begins during the Luminaria Service, during which the stadium lights are turned off, everyone is quiet and candles are lighted in the white paper bags that are lined around the track. On these bags will be names written in “memory of or honor of,” those who have battled cancer and those who have lost their battles with the disease.

Ken Mitchell with play the accordion as everyone walks around the track for this special Luminaria Ceremony. Luminaria may be purchased for a $5 donation up until 30 minutes before the ceremony.

Relay teams have been hard at work all year, Gilmore said.

“Our overall goal is $56,000 and as of bank night we have approximately $50,000,” she said. “Our goal for team participation was 25 and we have exceeded that with 30 teams this year.”

Teams for 2010 include Clowning For A Cure, Citizens BMC, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Sisters United AKA, Courthouse Cronies, PA Gang. TOUCH, Talladega OB/GYN, Eva Lou Swain Curry Team, First National Bank, Munford Elementary School, Shiloh United Methodist Church, Woman To Woman Support Group, Graham Elementary, Stampede, Mooving for a Cure, Pity Pat’s, Southeastern Signs,Metro Bank-Lincoln, Talladega Public Health, Jane’s Jewels, HOSA, New Image Hair Salon, Clara’s Clowns, Pirates for a Cure/Masterbrand, Green Team, ABC Fighters, Salter Elementary and Henderson Elementary.

The North Talladega County Relay For Life planning committee will be wearing yellow committee shirts the night of the event, Gilmore said.

“We thank these folks, they are responsible for making this event happen, giving lots of sweat and tears getting ready for this big night.”

Organizers include Cindy Pennington, event chair; Kelly Gilmore, event co-chair and publicity; Kathy Mosley, Mission Delivery Chair; Karie Smith, Luminaria and Mission Delivery Chair; Ginger Silv, Luminaria Chair; Shea Fowler, Sponsorship Chair; Penny McCall; Sponsorship Chair; Joyce Ferrell, Sponsorship/Team Chair; Faye Mellon, Sponsorship/Team Chair; SharonBlankenship, Sponsorship/Team Chair; Amy Porter, Sponsorship/Team Chair; Louise Andre , Team Recruitment Chair; Ashley Ponder, Logistics Chair; Alyson Carden, Entertainment Chair; Joanie and Chris Turley, On-Line Chairs; Teresa Simmons, Survivor Chair; Shirlean Tuck-Price, Survivor Chair; Georgia Goodwine-Christian Survivor Chair; and Faye Lucas, Survivor Chair.