Henry County’s annual Relay for Life event is back this week.

As with many other large events since the COVID-19 pandemic began, it will be somewhat different from past gatherings. The typical large crowd getting together at a local high school football stadium will not be happening, but an alternative plan is in place.

Local organizers had set aside the April 30 event date quite some time ago, and officials have reported that a considerable amount of money has already been raised to benefit the American Cancer Society. But the national organization has since announced that “normal” events are not to take place before June 1.

That motivated Henry County organizers to add a new wrinkle. This year’s Relay for Life is set for April 30 as planned, but it is a drive-in event from 7:30-8:30 p.m. at Salem Baptist Church, on Hwy. 155 just south of East Lake Road in McDonough. This will give the opportunity for large-scale participation without the participants having to get out of their cars.

Relay for Life traditionally begins with the Survivor Walk, so this year the survivors will line up in their cars beginning at 7 p.m. There will be survivor recognition, team recognition and a luminary ceremony to conclude the evening’s activities. Attendees will be able to listen to the emcee throughout the program via their in-car radios.

Survivors will receive goody bags furnished by Shane’s Rib Shack and the Lake Dow Chick-fil-A. Registration information is available on the Relay for Life Facebook Page (make sure to search for the page for Henry County, Georgia and not Henry County in another state).