This Saturday, thousands of participants will take to the Juniper Valley Park running track and put their best feet forward in the fight against cancer during the annual American Cancer Society Middle Village Relay for Life.
The event will kick off at 3 p.m. on June 24, and will continue all day and through the night until 7 a.m. on Sunday, June 25. During the rally, members from each of the current 82 Middle Village Relay for Life teams will walk or run around the track.
While one member is walking, other team members camp out on the grounds around the track and enjoy their fill of music, food, entertainment and activities, all while building camaraderie with their teammates and other participants.
Registration starts at 3 p.m. followed by the opening ceremony and Survivor’s Lap at 4 p.m. where cancer survivors are invited to take a victory lap as they are cheered on by their fellow participants celebrating their victory over cancer.
The Luminaria Ceremony will begin at 10 p.m., which is a candlelight ceremony that pays tribute to all those who have been affected by cancer.
Candles are placed inside white bags filled with sand and are positioned around the track or bleachers to honor those who have survived cancer, those who are still fighting, and the memory of those who have lost their fight against cancer.
The Luminarias will be kept burning throughout the night, to represent the healing power of community and the importance of funding to find a cure.
The closing ceremony will begin at 7 a.m. on June 25 when participants celebrate another successful year for Relay for Life.
Middle Village Relay for Life has already amassed $168,484.29 of their $215,000 goal with three days to go before the event.
For more information on the event at Juniper Valley Park, how to donate, how to make your own team, or how to volunteer for the event, visit the Middle Village Relay for Life website.
