With October just beginning, it’s tough to think about an event that doesn’t happen until April 29, 2016, but now is exactly when we need to think about it.

That’s the tentative date for the next Relay for Life, and teams throughout Vicksburg and Warren County kicked off their effort to begin raising funds this week. They’ve established their theme — Paint Your World Purple — and launched their website — relayforlife.org/warrenms — and are ready to get teams signed up for the event.

A number of events aimed at supporting Relay for Life are planned, including the Crowns for a Cure Warren County, which is a pageant open to young people from infants to age 18. It’s held in honor of Afton Wallace, who was a Vicksburg Warren Central High School student who passed away in May 2015 from cancer. The date this year is Nov. 14 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Warren Central High School.

Stick a Fork in Cancer is a fundraiser during which participating restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds from sales on Nov. 12 to Relay for Life of Warren County.

Also Love Lights A Tree, a Christmas luminaria lighting event will take place in December. You can find more information about these events and plans for the 2016 Relay for Life at the group’s website, relayforlife.org/warrenms.

Now is the perfect time for you and your friends to get together to form a team to walk during the next Relay. Relay for Life is a perfect way to remember a loved one who is battling cancer or who may have lost their battle for cancer.

When Relay for Life organizers and team members come calling on you at your home or business, we urge you to do all you can to support them and their effort.