Relay for Life starts Saturday

With more teams, organizers hope the 13th annual Douglas County Relay for Life is lucky for the battle against cancer.

Organizer Katrina Rowe said there should be more people involved in the annual event designed to raise money to fight cancer.

The theme this year is "And Many More ... Birthdays," Rowe said. "Because that's what we're aiming for, so cancer isn't taking any more birthdays away."

This year's event is dedicated to Sheriff's Capt. Mike Biaggini, who lost his battle with cancer in February. Mary Biaggini will be speaking at the luminaria ceremony at 8:45 p.m. Saturday.

While opening ceremonies aren't until 5 p.m. Saturday, festivities will be starting at 10 a.m., with bands, activities, games and a variety of other activities.

"We're having a survivors' reception at the gazebo after the opening ceremonies," Rowe said. "If any cancer survivors would like to participate they can call. We don't turn anyone away. It's sort of like a big birthday party."

Teams have been holding fundraisers all year in preparation for Saturday's event.

The national Relay for Life was created in 1985 to remember friends and loved ones who died from cancer and to raise money to fight the disease.

"Relay for Life is about walking - cancer doesn't sleep and neither will we - and each team tries to keep someone walking throughout the night," Rowe said.

"There were a lot of fun things to do," she said.

The 2010 Douglas County Relay for Life event to benefit the American Cancer Society begins 7 a.m. Saturday and runs through 6:30 a.m. Sunday at Lampe Park in Gardnerville.

For information call Katrina Rowe, 750-3468 or visit douglasrelay.com event.

Saturday

7 a.m. - Team check-in and set-up

10 a.m. - Open to the public: activities, games, vendors

10:30 a.m. - Martial arts and dance demonstrations

Noon - Hired Gunz band

4 p.m. - Bachelor auction

5 p.m. - Opening ceremonies, survivor lap follows

6 p.m. - Survivor celebration

6:15 p.m. - Bootleggers band

8:45 p.m. - Luminaria ceremony

9:30 p.m. - Hypnotist show

11 p.m. - Karaoke contest and talent show

Sunday

1 a.m. - DJ CZ

6 a.m. - Sunrise yoga

6:30 a.m. - Breakfast, awards,

closing ceremonies