For Denise Martin, co-chairwoman, and her crew of volunteers and staff, the first steps on next Saturday's Relay For Life will come with a sigh of relief.
That is because organizers have been working since last July, after the 2006 Relay was over.
"We never stop," Martin says. She remembers writing notes to improve the 2006 relay, one day after it was over. "There are no days off."
Saturday, July 21, may be when activities begin at Norwin Knights stadium, but Martin is already preparing to put things in motion the day before to make the process smoother.
Martin has a goal of raising $50,000 in the weekend event for cancer research. She has various new activities for walkers and the community planned, including many hometown favorites.
The Youngtimers Touring Opera Company, based in downtown Irwin at Covenant Hall, Irwin Center of the Performing Arts, contacted Relay officials about making a debut at the event. Produced and choreographed by Maria Pealstrom, the Youngtimers will showcase "Love in Any Language" on Saturday morning and "Mikada" on Sunday before the walk finishes.
Two local singers will come home to perform at the event for the first time. Gwen Smith, a Christian singer who grew up in the Norwin area and lives in North Carolina, and Katie Marie, gospel/country singer, will take the stage throughout the walk.
Marie contacted the organizers through e-mail to request a place in the event, which was immediately embraced by Martin.
"It is nice to see them want to get involved this year," Martin says. "We are so grateful for the performers who want to come back year after year."
Molly Specht and Nicole Sige, co-entertainment committee members, recall staying in contact with Smith to arrange her trip from North Carolina.
Both Molly and Nicole, who are seniors at Norwin, began walking in the relay two years ago and jumped on board with the entertainment committee last August. The girls usually go to committee meetings to keep updated and feel lucky to help.
"We had a lot of fun last year," Nicole says.
The duo also will be their team's captains as they walk along the track. The team -- the hot dog-making, apple-eating, relay-walking, cancer-fighting Knights -- has 14 members. Last year's Flaming Sombreros team donated $1,500 to the relay, but the girls hope to make more through next Saturday.
Martin's goal of $50,000 is greater than the American Cancer Society's goal, says ACS representative Dawn Pruett, who has a goal of $41,000 through some 47 teams.
There were 37 teams at the 2006 relay. Martin hopes to raise that to 50 groups this year.
"There's no reason we can't do it," Martin says.
Pruett praises the Norwin community for tackling a Relay For Life event from the beginning three years ago. She is trying to start an event in Penn Township based on how many of its teams come to Norwin.
"The people are so welcoming to the event and it has grown so much," Pruett says. "It's great to work with these volunteers."
The Norwin Relay For Life has opening ceremonies at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, July 21, with the 24-hour walking beginning at noon. Registrations are still being accepted.