The Tamaqua High School Stadium will host Tamaqua's 24th annual Relay for Life event Friday to benefit the American Cancer Society.

At least 205 participants in 26 teams will run, walk and take part in ceremonies to raise money for cancer research for 24 hours. So far they have raised $36,314.48, more than half the $67,750 goal.Tamaqua has been the site of Relay for Life events since 1994. Each event has a slogan and a theme. This year the event will have a Disney theme with a slogan of "Star light star bright, wish upon a cure tonight."Dr. Rosalee Rehrig, organizer of this year's event, says she wants the public to know that anyone can help contribute to combat cancer. Rehrig has been involved with Relay for Life for nine years and has led Tamaqua's Relay for Life events for the past three.Participants will see a number of ceremonies in addition to walking or running the track in teams as part of the relay. Though the event will begin at 2 p.m. Friday, the opening ceremonies will take place at 4 p.m. to welcome guests and volunteers.After walking and running the track after the event officially begins, teams will see the Fight Back ceremony at 7 p.m. where participants will be encouraged to make changes in their lives meant to support cancer research in efforts of finding a cure.The luminaria ceremony, one of Relay for Life's most iconic ceremonies with decorated glowing luminaria bags, will begin at 9 p.m. where participants will decorate and illuminate the luminarias as a light in darkness to remember and honor those affected, celebrate the lives of those lost to cancer, those battling it, and those who have helped those affected along the way.On Saturday, the survivor ceremony at 10 a.m. where survivors of cancer will be honored, followed by the butterfly ceremony at 11 a.m. before the closing ceremony at 2 p.m. Saturday.The first Relay For Life event was held in 1985 in Tacoma, Washington, by the late Dr. Gordy Klatt, a colorectal surgeon who raised $27,000 during the first relay. Since its beginning Relay for Life has raised more than $5 billion to help fund cancer research."I would like everyone to know that they do not need to be on a team to be able to come and support the fight against cancer," Rehrig said. "We are all touched by cancer in some way, and together we can fight for a cure."