Northampton County is gearing up for a big weekend.

On Friday and Saturday, citizens and visitors will see two large events going on in their county: the second annual Northampton County Relay for Life and the Town of Conway’s Centennial Celebration.

The busy weekend will start with the continuing fight against cancer on Friday.

Northampton County Relay for Life will begin at 6 p.m. with opening ceremonies at the Northampton County Cultural and Wellness Center outside of Jackson on NC 305 North.

As of Wednesday, according to the American Cancer Society’s website, the event has 25 teams and 639 participants signed up for Relay. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.

The 24-hour event will conclude on Saturday afternoon.

Citizens and business owners in the town of Conway are sprucing up their properties as their community takes center stage on Saturday.

Though the town formally celebrated its 100 year birthday in February (Conway was chartered on Feb. 27, 1913), Saturday’s occasion, held at the athletic field at Conway Middle School, will be filled with activities, contests and cap off the day with fireworks.

Conway Mayor Brian Bolton said the Centennial Celebration will give the town a chance to shine and give citizens a sense of community.

“We want people to come out; it’s a chance for us to show off our town a little bit,” he said.

A mural in the middle of town painted by artist Napoleon Hill gives a nod to Conway’s railroad past.

Bolton said he was extremely proud of the citizens and business owners who took the initiative to freshen up their properties in preparation of the event.

“It’s heartwarming to see,” he said. “It’s going to be a really special day.”

The day will start with a 5K run beginning at 8 a.m. followed by Conway’s “All Aboard” Parade at 9.

At 10 a.m., Bolton will welcome attendees and there will a Little Mr. & Miss Conductor Contest.

“Shaggin’ on the Beach” Jay Jenkins will MC the day’s events.

The following is the remainder of the event’s schedule:

10:30 a.m.- Steve Owens & Summertime

11 a.m. – Registration & Choo Choo Fun Run

1 p.m. – Announcement of Contest Winners

1:15 p.m. – Conway’s Got Talent Semi-Finals

2 p.m. – Eyes of Emiline

3 p.m. – Conway’s Got Talent Semi-Finals

5:15 p.m. – Conway’s Got Talent Finalists

5:30 p.m. – Conway’s Got Talent Finals

6 p.m. – The Sand Band

9 p.m. – Fireworks Spectacular

Day long events will include rock wall climbing, historical exhibits, food and craft vendors, train rides on a small scale replica of a steam locomotive, kiddie barrel train ride, games and Conway’s history by Shirley Gay at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Bolton said a video by Conway Photo Shop about the town can be viewed on the town’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/TownOfConwayNorthCarolina. The town is trying to reach 1,000 “likes” before the big event on Saturday.

For more information about Conway’s Centennial Celebration visit www.conwayis100.com