LAURINBURG – Excitement is building in town as the annual Relay For Life of Scotland County event, scheduled for Oct. 11, approaches.

More than a dozen teams have already registered and participating teams, survivors and the community are excited for a night of fun, food, music and most importantly, raising funds for a good cause.

This year’s Relay For Life promises to be a game changer with some new features. Organizers say the change in venue to McDuffie Square in downtown Laurinburg has brought new energy to the event and given it a more personal and community-oriented atmosphere. The smaller venue will be a change from years past when Scotland County High School’s Pate Stadium was the venue.

One of the most notable new additions to this year’s event is the inclusion of food trucks. With multiple food trucks serving a variety of treats, attendees can enjoy a wide range of culinary delights while supporting a good cause. From gourmet burgers to tantalizing tacos, there will be something to suit every appetite.

In addition to the food trucks, the event will also feature live music from one of the region’s most popular beach music bands: The Band of Oz. The band is sponsored by the Scotland Health Care System and their infectious tunes are expected to get everyone on their feet and dancing the night away.

Relay For Life organizers took inspiration from other successful events in the area to create a new and exciting experience for participants. Building on the success of events like Laurinburg After Five, Relay For Life event planners incorporated elements that have proven to be crowd favorites while maintaining all of the traditional elements of Relay For Life, from honoring survivors to the poignant Luminaria ceremony, creating a moving and meaningful experience for everyone involved.

Survivors will still begin the event with a survivor round and a special area with activities just for them will be available for all survivors in attendance. Survivors can register online at www.relayforlife.org/scotlandnc.

This year’s theme, “Relay for Life is a real game changer,” is designed to add a fun and interactive element to the event. Participating teams were encouraged to create gaming opportunities for attendees by offering a wide range of board games, carnival-style activities and more. These games not only provide entertainment for attendees, but also serve to raise additional funds for the American Cancer Society, further supporting the organization’s important work.

For those who want to get involved, there are still opportunities to join a team, volunteer, or just stop by and show your support. To learn more about how you can participate in Relay For Life of Scotland County, call 910-280-3308 or visit www.relayforlife.org/scotlandnc.

“As excitement builds in the lead up to the event, it’s clear that this year’s Relay For Life will be a night to remember,” organizers said. “With the community coming together to support a cause that touches so many lives, Relay For Life of Scotland County is sure to make a lasting impression and give hope to those affected by cancer.”