For the second year, it is a combined Relay For Life – bringing together teams from previously individual relay events in Modesto, Oakdale and Turlock. Though officially known as Relay For Life of Greater Stanislaus County, the 24-hour team event to benefit the American Cancer Society also includes some participants from San Joaquin County communities.

Relay For Life is scheduled for this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8 and 9, at John Thurman Field in Modesto. About four dozen teams have signed up and that accounts for several hundred participants, with teams asked to have one member on the track at all times.

There will also be opening ceremonies, guest speakers, a special area for cancer survivors and caregivers, a festive Kids Kamp with activities including a bounce house, along with food, fundraisers, music, theme laps, games and more.

Goal for the year is to raise $125,000 in the fight against cancer and even those who are not on a team are encouraged to attend the event to support the cause.

Opening ceremonies are scheduled at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 with the first lap featuring cancer survivors taking their turn on the track. Booths hosted by teams also line the track and offer everything from gift baskets to specialty foods.

Saturday will also include a classic car show, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to go along with this year’s Relay theme of ‘Grease.’

Primary sponsors are ConAgra Brands, Modesto Nuts, Staples Connect, Oak Valley Community Bank, Teamsters Local 386, Hilmar Cheese, Sutter Health and Foster Farms.