MANSFIELD — Typically, people don’t start dreaming of sugar plums or belting out Christmas carols until Thanksgiving. Even the most eager of Christmas enthusiasts likely wait until after Halloween to break out their twinkling lights and other holiday décor.

But on Saturday, July 8, from 1 to 10 p.m., the annual Richland County Relay for Life event will celebrate the holiday season early — and honor cancer survivors, patients and loved ones who have passed — with its “Christmas in July” themed walk at the Richland County Fairgrounds.

“We were thinking of a theme to go with our event, and we were going to go with a game board (theme)… but volunteers wanted ‘Christmas in July,’ and we don’t know if it’ll be in July next year,” said Jenna Helmuth, community development manager for the East Central Division of the American Cancer Society.

Children can share cookies with Santa from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and pet his reindeer from Kleerview Farm throughout the day.

Plus, Helmuth anticipates people will decorate their tents with Christmas themes. She mentioned one group that intends to decorate with a “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” theme.

The initial game theme idea will also be included in a small way. Giant Jenga and Yahtzee will be available and a bouncy house will be open for children throughout the day.

Fun and games aside, the Relay for Life event raises money for a serious cause.

“It provides support and gives hope to those who are currently battling cancer,” Helmuth said.

The American Cancer Society uses the funds to support cancer research, patient care services, prevention initiatives and more. Specifically, a portion of the funds will go to organizations like the Hope Lodge and Look Good, Feel Better.

The Hope Lodge provides free stays for cancer patients and a caregiver when travel is required for treatments. Helmuth said there are two Ohio locations.

Look Good, Feel Better gives cancer patients confidence in their appearance. The organization provides instructional videos and other tools to teach about wigs and make up techniques.

This year, the goal is to raise $38,000. After last year’s goal of $32,000 was surpassed by $6,000, Helmuth is confident this target is possible.

“We are trying to revamp our event,” she said. “Six years ago, this was a $50,000 event.”

Currently, there are 125 people registered. Helmuth said this is “pretty normal” in the weeks before an event, but she anticipates around 200 in attendance.

A “Survivors Lap” – a trip around the track in honor of anyone who has beaten cancer – will take place at 4:30 p.m. And directly following is the “Caregivers Lap,” which honors those who has “selflessly” given of themselves to support someone battling cancer.

A Survivor Dinner takes place at 5 p.m., but the event then continues into the evening. At 7 p.m., people are invited to a balloon release. Many write notes to their loved ones, often called “messages to heaven,” before letting their balloon float into the sky.  

Later, the Luminaria Ceremony takes place at dusk.

“This lap around the track is to remember those who they’ve lost,” Helmuth said.

This final lap is made in silence as people follow the path lit by the lantern-like bags, each labeled with the name of a loved one who possibly lost their battle to cancer.

Admission is free, but for more information or to register for the event, visit relayforlife.org/mansfield.