NORWICH – Going bald is rarely an appealing concept, but when you do it willingly and to support a good cause, people line up to come in and shave their heads.

So far, 43 people have signed up for this year’s annual St. Baldrick’s fundraiser this Saturday. The event, which is in its fifth year in Norwich, raises funds for childhood cancer by having participants shave their heads “in solidarity of children with cancer, while requesting donations of support from friends and family,” the event web site explains.

“We have 43 people singed up now, and some usually sign up when they come in, so we’re probably looking at close to 50 people,” said event organizer and Norwich Fire Chief Tracy Chawgo. In addition to those who sign up, another 10 to 15 people have signed up to work as volunteers. The BOCES Cosmetology class has volunteered to shave heads, and 250 to 300 people are expected to come out to show their support.

For this year’s event, a lower than usual goal has been set, due to the nature of the economy and the fact that so many are struggling. “This is a great cause. A local event for people in our area who have to travel to Binghamton or Rochester for cancer treatments,” Chawgo said. He explained that while the event focuses on childhood cancer, if you can cure that, the effects will work their way up through everyone else as well.

The local St. Baldrick’s event was started five years ago when local fireman Steve Cady came across a similar event in New York City. “He just thought it was something we could do in this area,” Chawgo said. With the help of Jeff Steward, Jason Gray and Chawgo, Cady headed up the first event and it has grown since then. “It’s taken on a life of its own,” Chawgo said.