WINDSOR – A new home, but the same fight.

The Bertie County Relay for Life will spend year number 17 in a new home – the Bertie County Recreation Complex on South King Street in Windsor. The fight, however, remains the same as the annual event continues to work to fund cancer research and defeat the dreaded disease.

The 17th annual event will kick off officially at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 14 when a host of local dignitaries speak at the opening ceremony.

Bertie County Commission Chairman Norman M. Cherry Sr. will serve as the Master of Ceremony for the night. He will be joined for the opening ceremonies by Windsor Mayor Pro-Tempore Hoyt Cooper who will offer an invocation.

The presentation of colors will be presented by the Bertie High School JROTC and the National Anthem will be sung by Catlin Lassiter.

Those who will offer greetings include Windsor Mayor Jimmy Hoggard, Cherry, Bertie Superintendent of Schools Dr. Chip Zullinger and Perdue Director of Operations Jeff Stalls.

Opening remarks will be made by retired Windsor Bob Spivey.

Following those opening ceremonies, the survivors will be introduced and then make the first lap around the track. The second lap will be made by all of the caregivers.

From then on, the walkers for the Relay for Life will take the track with entertainment being provided throughout the evening.

The Warriors of Praise will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. followed by the New Creations at 8 p.m.

The annual Luminary Ceremony will take place from 9-9:45 p.m. and all other activities will cease at that time.

A DJ will perform for the rest of the evening until open mike time starts at 12 midnight. That will last to 2 a.m. and organizers are encouraging all boys and girls to participate.

Theme Laps begin at 2 a.m. with a “Fight Like A Girl” lap in which only females will be on the track. At 2:15 a.m., the “Fight Like A Boy” lap will allow only males on the track.

The Birthday Lap will take place at 2:30 a.m. in which someone from each team should dress up like a birthday cake or present for the lap. PJ lap will then take place at 2:45 a.m.

At 3 a.m., late night bingo will take place hosted by Enchanted Kreationz. The bingo cards will cost 50 cents each and all money goes to Relay unless the winner is a survivor. Prizes will be awarded, however.

A Sunrise Service is scheduled for 7 a.m. followed by breakfast at 8 a.m. provided by Sara Lee and Maola.

The Kids Walk registration starts at 9 a.m. and the Kids Walk is slated for 10 a.m. until 12 noon.

The crowning of Little Miss Relay and Little Mister Relay is slated for 12 noon with team recognitions to follow and the final lap to be held at 12:30 p.m.