Participants in this year’s Relay For Life spent Tuesday evening kicking off the event with snacks, refreshments, visiting and karaoke.

Chairs of the event, Tracy Ackerman and Tiffiny Stringer said the turnout for the evening was about the same as last year, with approximately seven team captains so far. As the evening passed, the theme “Saddle Up For A Cure,” had a positive response.

“We’re enjoying it,” Stringer said of the new theme.

Stringer’s daughter, Rese Stringer, 4, became involved by dressing the part in cowgirl attire. Ackerman and her daughter, Taylor Reed, 10, got into the spirit by singing “Proud To Be An American” by karaoke. During the festivities, Carthage Junior High School teacher Keith Zoromski arrived to sign up a team for the student council. Besides individuals’ support, Ackerman and Stringer encouraged more business participation.

“We need corporate sponsorship,” Ackerman said. “It’s major advertising for them. And all these companies have been affected by cancer in some way or another.”

Something new this year is the Web site, created by volunteer Michael Lackey. Lackey said he accredits his involvement in the relay to his mother being a cancer survivor. He said he enjoyed the atmosphere of the relay’s committee.

“They show a lot of enthusiasm about what they do, and it’s encouraging to see that,” he said.

The Web site for the Carthage Relay For Life can be visited at www.carthagerelay.org. There is a calendar of events, team information, fundraising goals, team resources, committee information and contacts online. Anyone wishing to make a donation may do so online as well. Lackey said since this is the first year of the Web site, he is open to suggestions, comments or any questions regarding the site.