JACKSON – Batman closed out Northampton County’s fifth annual Relay for Life Saturday with an unexpected visit in his red Slingshot.

He was a hit with the remaining audience Saturday morning as they awaited the return of motorcyclists touring the county as Relay’s finale for the 24-hour event.

“This was an action-packed, fun-filled Relay,” said Relay for Life Chairperson Marla Jerman.

She said the event exceeded fundraising expectations and was very successful on all fronts.

Jerman said they had 26 teams of walkers, 404 participants, and that over 1,000 people attended Friday night.

Relay for Life started at noon Friday and ended shortly after noon Saturday. This year’s theme was “Toon out cancer & let’s finish the fight.” Each team had a member who dressed as a cartoon character, such as Minnie Mouse, who participated in a fashion show Friday night.

The Department of Social Service’s team, Divas Showing Support, won the team event with a character from the movie “Frozen.”

Batman’s arrival Saturday morning was a surprise and a bonus.

Mr. Relay was Dwight Ricks of First Baptist Church Severn’s team, and Miss Relay was Patricia Harrison, captain of the Family First Team. These two awards are given for selling the most tickets to the Relay Ball.

The Kidz First Team raised $9,500 this year with three children honored for raising $1,000 each: Gizelle Jerman, Mauri Jerman, and Jaykin Jerman.

Chairperson Jerman is already preparing for next year’s Relay for Life. She said she wants more children under 12 involved next year with the Kidz Walk and hopes to recruit more survivors to participate.

Friday night, survivors, caregivers and kids under 12 walked around the track, led by the Northampton County High School Band. Teams also walked throughout the cool of the night.

For entertainment, a Victory Dance, a fashion show, and a comedy show featuring Georgorie Bono and Big G were held.

There was also lots of music, including Motown and Gospel.

Two new events held Saturday that Jerman hopes to bring back next year were the car and truck show organized by Rev. Arthur Clark of Mt. Sinai Church of God in Murfreesboro and the motorcycle ride coordinated by Rev. George Jerman of Rich Square’s Piney Grove Baptist Church, Dwight Ricks of First Baptist Severn, Herbert Chatham of Big Dogs Motorcycle Club of Halifax County, and Donald Manley of Free Spirit Riders of Northampton County.

Northampton County Relay for Life has met its goals every year and has raised over $200,000 prior to this year in the battle against cancer.