FARMINGTON – Hundreds of luminaria candles will be lit during the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Farmington in honor of cancer survivors and in memory of those who have lost their battle with the disease.

The luminaria will line the event track, lighting the way for Relay for Life participants to walk side by side and reflect throughout the night. This moving ceremony will take place at 10 p.m. Saturday, May 31, at Mount Blue High School.

“As luminarias light up the night, it is so painfully clear why we are here, and why we need to continue to raise money for cancer research, education, advocacy and service,” said Linda Neuschwanger, chairwoman of the event.

Each of the luminaria bags contains the name of someone whom friends and family want to honor or to memorialize. They can be purchased up until the day of the event by calling Neuschwanger at 645-3388 or Ray Kautzman of the American Cancer Society at 373-3724. The bags may also be decorated ahead of time by calling this number and arranging to pick up the bags.

Relay for Life is an 18-hour event that brings together teams from local businesses, schools, churches and families for camaraderie, food, fun, music, entertainment and a night under the stars while team members take turns walking or running the track. Relay For Life kicks off with a cancer survivor’s lap and reception to celebrate life.

Sponsors of this year’s Relay For Life include: Franklin Savings Bank, Lewiston Sun Journal, Jordan Lumber, WBLM, WHOM, WCYY, WB-51 and UPN-35.