Richmond Hill is gearing up for its Relay for Life this weekend, and event chairperson Christy Crowley said she expects it to be very successful.

"It’s an event for the whole community," said Crowley, who has chaired the Richmond Hill Relay for the past two years. "There’s going to be lots of food, games for kids and lots of good entertainment."

Last year about 3,000 people showed up to J.F. Gregory Park to raise money for the event, sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Crowley said this year’s goal is to raise $118,000, an increase of $3,000 from last year’s total. She said that goal is possible, even though this year’s Relay preparation is going a little slower than last year’s.

"It’s looking a little down but it’s hard to tell," Crowley said. "The more people we can get out there the better."

There are currently about 20 teams registered to participate, and Crowley said it’s not too late for new teams to register. She also said people who aren’t part of a team are invited to join the cause. She said the money from food sales, as well as from raffles and a silent auction, will all go towards the night’s monetary goal.

David Aspinwall, head of corporate sponsorships for the Richmond Hill Relay for Life, said the event promises to be a good time for everyone. He said one of the most interesting parts of the night includes a not-so-typical beauty pageant.

"It’ll be fun all night long," he said. "Around 10:30 is the all-male beauty contest. It’s the highlight of the night."

Aspinwall said around 5 Saturday morning breakfast will be served for those still at the event.

Richmond Hill’s Relay starts at 7 p.m. Friday under the pavilion at J.F. Gregory Park. It ends at 7 a.m. Saturday. The City of Pembroke holds their Relay for Life at Hendrix Park on Friday, May 11.