FAIRMONT — After a five-year hiatus, Tackle Cancer is returning to Mahoney Field at Fairmont High School.

The event serves a dual purpose — it provides the opportunity for women to gain a better understanding of the game of football while promoting cancer awareness.

Advance registration for the Aug. 22 event has been extended to Thursday and can be completed online at www.fairmontareafootball.com

Participants also can register at the event, which runs from 5-8:30 p.m. The cost of $40 per person includes instruction on football basics, an event T-shirt, a cinch bag, two raffle tickets and two paper footballs to be labeled in memory of or in honor of a loved one.

The event kicks off with registration and socializing, followed by introductions and a “team” picture in the bleachers. “Game time” runs from 6-7:30 p.m.

“The football coaches and players will be at each one of eight stations to instruct on various aspects of the game,” said Deb Heinrich, a member of the Tackle Cancer committee. “Dress comfortably so you can participate in the station if you want or you can just stand and watch.”

The event concludes with checking the raffle area for winning tickets and shopping at participating vendors.

Heinrich heard of Tackle Cancer about eight years ago when her son was playing football at Augustana College, and the school held such an event.

“I thought, we need to do this in Fairmont,” she said.

Heinrich’s original plan was to hold the event on alternate years, with the first Tackle Cancer in Fairmont held seven years ago and the second five years ago. Her husband, Rod, died of cancer four years ago, and she felt emotionally unable to continue the event.

The last couple of years, Heinrich spearheaded the Coaches vs. Cancer fundraiser during basketball season, and the event has grown in size and money raised. It also reignited a spark in her to revive Tackle Cancer.

“I got fired up to do this again,” Heinrich said. “It has been so successful. In the past, we had 150 to 175 women at each event. It’s been really great, and the women have so much fun.”

Proceeds from the event stay local, with the exception of 10 percent that goes to the Randy Shaver Cancer Research and Community Fund. Locally, funds will be used to buy gift cards for gas, hotels and restaurants for cancer patients seeking treatment outside the area as well as for patient comfort items at the Infusion Therapy Department at Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont. The Fairmont Area Football Association also will receive a portion of the donations.

Heinrich noted the generosity of the local businesses in providing raffle prizes and the 18 event sponsors that will be printed on the back of the T-shirts.

“The business community has been unbelievable,” she said.

Vendors such as women with in-home businesses or female entrepreneurs interested in setting up a table at Tackle Cancer or anyone needing more information may call Heinrich at (507) 236-3287.