The American Cancer Society's Relay For Life kicks off this evening at the Bedford County Agriculture and Education Center and will run until 6 a.m. Satuday.

The opening ceremonies will start at 6 p.m. with the National Anthem, prayer, and a welcome from this year's chairperson, Wendy Stacy. A Survivor's Walk will start at 6:20 for participants who have been afflicted with the disease, and the parade of teams will start at 6:45.

There are 24 teams walking in the relay this year. Each team has been busy raising money for the American Cancer Society.

Teams chose names to fit with the theme of TV shows and movies. Teams have catchy names such as Grey's Gals, Sharpie Steppers, Green Acres, Wheelbillies, Survivor and Friends, Gilliagan's Island, Hee Haw and Howdy Cornhuskers, High School Musical, A League of Their Own, and East Side Pink Ladies.

There will be an auction beginning at 7:15 with items donated by individuals and businesses from throughout Bedford County.

A luminaria ceremony will begin at 9 p.m. All the lights will be turned off and luminarias will be lit, each one representing an individual who has died from cancer or a cancer survivor.

Relay begins at sunset symbolizing the cancer diagnosis, a time when darkness begins to envelop a person's life. Teams continue the vigil throughout the night, and closing ceremonies take place at sunrise, symbolizing the end of treatment and a new beginning for cancer patients.

"I want to thank all the volunteers who have made Relay For Life 2008 such a wonderful relay." said chairperson Wendy Stacy. "Relay 2008 is for all of you, all of our cancer survivors, and for everyone who has lost someone to this disease.

"I want to remind people that Relay For Life is a year round event. We are looking for new teams and people that want to help us raise money to find a cure for cancer. Our next team captain's meeting will be on June 16 at 6 p.m. at Bob Parks Realty. Anyone interested in being involved is welcome to attend this meeting."

This year's Relay For Life committee was made up of Stacy, Samantha Chamblee, Robin Jackson, Melanie Sliger, Betty Hawkins, Gayle McClanahan, John Holliman, James "Auggie" Hill, Martha Deason, and Harriett Stewart.