Members of the Edwardsburg community are gearing up for hitting the track at the annual Relay For Life event, July 23 and 24 — by hitting the pavement around town.

“We’ve just been out in the community knocking on doors to get teams and participants put together,” said Chad King, event chairman.

Team participation is up this year, King said, with a total of 34 teams who have come together to participate in the annual relay.

“That’s actually 10 more than last year,” he said.

The theme of this year’s campaign, for relay events taking place across the country, is that of a world with “less cancer and more birthdays,” according to the American Cancer Association.

Edwardsburg Relay For Life teams and participants are focused on a goal of raising $60,000 to go toward cancer research.

“As the event has grown, we’ve actually had people come to us to get involved,” King said.

He speaks humbly about the group’s goal. Though Edwardsburg’s Relay For Life surpassed its goal last year quite significantly, raising $58,000 in donations with an original goal of $45,000, King is well aware of the impact the economy is still having on individuals, families and businesses.

“We really hope we do (reach the goal),” King said. “Money coming in so far has been really good. I really think with the great community of Edwardsburg that we will hit the goal and surpass it.”

Some businesses have already jumped on board for the community’s effort. Meijer, a contributor to the campaign last year, has already donated $2,500.

Teachers Credit Union of Granger, Ind. has also donated $2,500, King said, and have formed a team to participate in the relay.

As teams continue to raise money in preparation for the final event, King said there are also plenty of activities for people of all ages scheduled on site at Edwardsburg Middle School, where the relay is taking place.

Face painting, food, games and horse drawn wagon rides will all be going on during the relay and King said there will also be an inflatable obstacle course for kids.

“It’s huge,” King said. “It’s like half a football field.”

Two auctions are also scheduled — one at noon and one at 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 23.

“I know we have quite a few big donations for that,” King said. “I know we have an autographed Notre Dame women’s basketball and I’m pretty sure we have an autographed Notre Dame football.”

This year’s relay will include the traditional luminaria walk and recognition of survivors.

For those who have never participated or may not quite understand what Relay For Life is all about, King said the 24 hour event is the perfect way to get educated.

“They’ll see how much fun it is,” he said. “The number of people who have come out (and stayed for hours) — they just find the community atmosphere is amazing at these events. See it if you haven’t seen one.”

For more information visit www.relayforlife.org.