The community will gather Friday night to celebrate the fight against cancer at Rockdale County's 16th annual Relay for Life.

Hundreds of participants have been working for months to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, and their efforts will culminate with festivities beginning at 7 pm Friday at the Georgia International Horse Park. Forty-six teams from area businesses, churches, families and civic organizations will line the Relay for Life track for the overnight event. As of Friday, April 20, event organizers and 415 registered participants had raised over $59,000 towards the goal of $130,000.

Held in communities throughout the country, the event serves to raise funds and awareness to help save lives. Cancer Survivors will take to the track at 7 pm for the celebratory "Survivors’ Lap." After the first round, members of each team take turns walking around the track until Closing Ceremonies at 7am. The teams set-up campsites around the track to provide food, games and entertainment for all ages throughout the night. This year’s theme is “Relay Around the World” and participants will be asked to decorate and represent a country. The event is free and open to the public.

One of the most significant activities of the night will be the Luminaria Ceremony at 10pm. Luminaries are placed around the track to honor cancer survivors, to support those who are still fighting and to remember those who lost the fight. All activities are halted in a moment of silence during this endearing Ceremony in homage to the continuing fight against cancer.

Money raised though Relay For Life helps fund education for cancer awareness, research for treatment and a cure as well as a myriad of programs offering support for people who have been touched by cancer.

“It stays in Georgia to help cancer patients and their families,” said Rockdale Relay for Life Co-Chair Lisa Cook.

For information about the Relay for Life or to donate directly, visit www.RelayforLife.org/Rockdale.