The start of each year tends to be an exciting time for Carter County’s “Relayers.”

Individuals involved with Relay For Life of Carter County/Elizabethton have been hard at work for the 2018 season, and February looks to be no different.

Greg Odom, co-chair of the local Relay branch with his wife, Charity, recently told the Elizabethton Star that the annual pancake breakfast takes place this weekend on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Fatz in Elizabethton.

Patrons are invited to stop by and grab a meal for $7 with proceeds going to the branch’s efforts to help combat illness through the American Cancer Society.

Saturday will include some new additions to the event compared to previous years Odom said.

“We’re definitely inviting families to stop by. We’ll have Disney, from Jack Sparrow and Cinderella, at Fatz and they’ll be available for families to take photos with,” Odom said. “We’re hoping to add a little something extra to help grow the event.”

If January is any indicator, growth shouldn’t be an issue for this year’s Relay season.

Local organizations officially kicked off Relay season at the first of the year, but Mother Nature was quick to throw a hurdle in plans with inclement weather.

But it was hard to stall the passion to raise awareness for those afflicted by cancer, according to Jessica Poff.

“We had a lot of fun (during the kickoff),” said Poff, who is serving as the community development manager for this year’s event. “Despite weather and schools being out, we still had around 45 people come out and join us. Many were team captains and members, but we had several new faces, which is always exciting.

“We are hoping the weather behaves (Saturday) so we can have a good turnout then, too,” she added.

2018 is about adding excitement to Relay For Life, Odom added. With this year’s theme somewhat based around “beachwear” and summer/spring living, event organizers are set to have some outdoor based activities during the second installment of the annual Relay For Life community event.

Carrying over the momentum from last year, Relay For Life will be held Friday, June 22, at Tennessee College of Applied Technology – Elizabethton.

“We appreciate the school’s support with the event,” Odom said. “We’re hoping weather cooperates and that we’re able to be accommodating for our survivors and everyone else in attendance.”

Odom and Poff encourage residents wanting to get involved to either check resources online or get in contact with a Relay member.

“There are so many different ways to get involved,” Odom said. “From volunteering to forming a team. If anyone has any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask anyone involved. That’s what we’re here for and we’ll be more than happy to help.”

Visit the Relay For Life of Carter County, TN Facebook page to learn more.