The North Jefferson Relay for Life will be from 6 p.m. on Frida to 6 a.m. on Saturday at the Gardendale Soccer Complex.

Relay for Life is a major fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. Teams of walkers will walk the track at the soccer complex all night, and the event will raise money for cancer research through donations and sponsorships.

“Walking all night shows solidarity… it’s symbolic of the patience of cancer survivors and doctors,” said Teresa Vise, event chair for the Relay for Life.

Few people walk the entire night, but the goal is to have somebody walking on the track for the entire 12 hour duration of the walk, said Rachna Chandora, a staff partner for the American Cancer Society.

The fundraising goal this year is $52,000; As of press deadline the event has raised $10,157.26. Chandora said Relay for Life raised $46,000. She also said 96 percent of every dollar goes to cancer research and treatment.

The walk kicks off with cancer survivors taking an inaugural lap around the track, and the rest of the walkers join in on the second lap.

“The teams all have crazy symbolic names, and they’re encouraged to camp out,” said Vise. As of publication deadline, 32 teams are registered to walk, ranging from 1 to 27 members in each team.

At 9 p.m., the Luminaria ceremony begins. Walkers can purchase a Luminaria candle in honor of a cancer survivor or in memory of a cancer victim.

“We turn off all the stadium lights, and the candles light up the track,” said Chandora. “It’s a really nice moment.”

People who attend the event who don’t want to walk or are tuckered out can enjoy some entertainment instead.

“We wanted to create an event with a real draw,” Randy Posey, the entertainment chairmen for the North Jefferson Relay for Life.

The entertainment starts with Christian rock band The Billy Smith Band. The Gardendale High School Rockettes, Back in Time, Eden’s Rain, and others will also be performing throughout the evening. Posey said there would be quieter activities after noise ordinances go into effect at 11 p.m.

Chandora said the weather forecast looks good, but in case of severe weather the event will move to the Fultondale Elementary School gym.