Whitewater rafters will take on the Lehigh River to benefit American Cancer Society this Labor Day.

The Raft Against Cancer race will see teams hitting the river between 8 a.m.-noon Monday, kicking off a full day of events benefiting the cancer society.

“We’ve never had as much going on during one Labor Day as we do this coming weekend,” said Joe Krushinsky, executive producer and telethon chairman of the Cancer Telethon.

The raft race will run from Dunbar’s Beach in Lehighton to Bowmanstown, taking about 35-40 minutes for the fastest rafts. Rafting equipment and shuttle services are provided by Lehighton Outdoor Center.

In case of inclement weather or droughtlike conditions, the race will not be run.

Registration will be available the morning of the race, with pro and amateur divisions available.

The registration cost for each rafter is $50. Raft teams must be 4-6 people. Smaller teams won’t be combined due to social distancing regulations.

The minimum age to participate is 18, or age 4 if accompanied by a parent. One parent is required for every three children.

All participants must wear life jackets, and there is a zero-tolerance policy for consumption of alcohol. Last year, teams braved difficult weather for the first race in more than a decade. They continued a tradition which once attracted dozens of rafts to the river, according to Jerry McAward of Lehighton Outdoor Center.

McAward recalled that back then, some teams spent months training to be the best on the river. Others just made sure there was plenty of beer stashed along the way.

“Obviously we don’t want that anymore. The ’80s are long gone,” McAward said.

Following Monday’s race, at noon, the outdoor center will host a performance by Trio Grande, with food trucks available.

And in Lansford, Zoostock returns to the Halftime Bar and Grill from noon-8 p.m. with nine bands taking the stage.

Cyclist Gary Gray is also riding 66 miles on the D&L to raise money for the cancer society, with donations accepted online, in person at the outdoor center, or by mailing a check to American Cancer Society to 33 W. Ridge St., Lansford PA 18232. Cyclists are invited to join Gray on the trail.

For more information, raft registration and to donate in support of all the events, visit cancertelethon.org.