Relay for Life of Lampasas, an annual event in support of the American Cancer Society, runs Saturday from 2 p.m. until Sunday at 6 a.m. at the track at Lampasas Middle School (former Lampasas High School).

Ten teams have organized, and several activities for all ages are planned in conjunction with the relay event. Teams are from First United Methodist Church, Lampasas Middle School cheerleaders, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, First Street Church of Christ, Wal-Mart, H-E-B, Lampasas Baptist Church (two teams), Lampasas Line Dancers and The National Banks of Central Texas.

Jon Hartford, community manager for development for the High Plains Division for the American Cancer Society, is in charge of the relay.

A Survivors’ Reception is set at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, just after the opening ceremony and in conjunction with the Survivors’ Lap.

The reception will be catered by First Street Church of Christ and sponsored in part by the Lampasas Edward Jones office.

All cancer survivors and their guests are invited to the celebration reception.

“We are very excited about this year’s Cancer Survivors’ Reception,” said Danielle Tucker, one of the Lampasas event coordinators. “We look forward to paying tribute to the tremendous journey cancer survivors have been on. Every survivor is invited, whether they were diagnosed yesterday or three years ago.”

Relay for Life allows communities to celebrate the lives of those who survived their personal battle with cancer.

For the newly diagnosed, the relay event offers an opportunity to meet someone who has survived the same type of cancer. And for the cancer patient in treatment, Relay for Life is an opportunity to share with others.

For the long-term survivor, the event brings recognition to communities of the struggle and closure experienced in the lives of cancer patients.

“At Relay and the Survivors’ Reception, everyone understands the challenges cancer survivors have overcome, and there is peace of mind knowing that together we can face the challenges ahead,” said Ms. Tucker.

The Survivors’ Lap just prior to the reception will feature a white dove release, symbolizing life and hope. “The release is a moving and breathtaking component of the relay,” said Ms. Tucker.

Survivors will be presented Tshirts celebrating their status as cancer survivors.

Luminaries may be purchased for a minimum donation of $5 each in memory of or in honor of a loved one. Contact any team member or Missy Hlavaty at 734-3849 for more information.

The schedule for the Relay for Life follows.

• 10 a.m.: Set-up of team area begins.

• 2 p.m.: Relay begins.

• 5 p.m.: Opening ceremony. Includes pledge, national anthem performed by Kandyce Hope, and prayer.

• 5:15 p.m.: Survivors’ Lap and white dove release.

• 5:30 p.m.: Survivors’ Reception.

• 6:30 p.m.: Kandyce Hope performance.

• 8 p.m.: Hims of Praise performance. Disk jockey GAV Sound of Copperas Cove will play music all night.

• 10 p.m.: Luminaria ceremony.

• 11:30 p.m.: Other entertainment.

• 5 a.m.: Closing ceremony.

• 6 a.m.: Relay officially ends.

During the relay, a number of games and activities will be offered, including baseball throw, bounce house and bowling.

On-site fund-raisers include barbecue sandwich meal, hot dogs, popcorn, snow cones, a cake walk, bake sales, handmade jewelry, pom-pons and personalized items. The public is invited to participate.

For more information on how to get involved, sponsor or join a team, contact Hartford at (512) 919-1941 or Ms. Tucker at (254) 338-2731.