The 11th annual Chenango County Relay for Life kicks off tonight with live music, games, fun – and an important message. The event not only raises money and awareness for cancer, it also keeps participants entertained from 6 p.m. Friday night until 10 a.m. Saturday morning.

Relay for Life is a fund raising event to benefit the American Cancer Society. According to Denise Woods, Relay for Life event coordinator, as the largest, not-for-profit donor to cancer research, ACS uses the money raised during the relay to put money toward cancer research, patient and family programs, advocacy and health education. Woods explained that many types of cancer can be avoided by making small lifestyle changes. “Sixty percent of cancer cases can be prevented,” Woods said, explaining that by eliminating tobacco and adopting a healthy diet and nutrition regiment, those cases could be avoided.

The Relay for Life will begin on Friday at the Chenango County Fairgrounds. Leading up to the opening ceremonies, the Sons of Ireland will be performing an array of traditional Irish music, from 4 to 6 p.m. The relay will officially begin at 6 p.m. when the opening ceremonies are held.

Walking will officially begin around 6:15, as cancer survivors take their first lap around the track. “Many survivors look forward to the survivors’ lap. They push through the rough diagnosis, looking forward to the relay,” Woods said, explaining that some cancer sufferers use the relay as a bench mark or a goal, and say they will make it to next year’s survivors’ lap. “It lets them know they’re not alone, and it gives them a sense of hope to see people who are there 5 or 10 or 20 years after their diagnosis,” Woods said.

The survivors’ lap will be followed by the caregivers’ lap, during which time caregivers will join the survivors on the track.

Team captains for each of the Chenango Relay for Life teams will then take a lap.

To keep walkers entertained, Skyline featuring Cassidy Lynn will play a mix of contemporary country music from 7 to 9:30. Also beginning at 7 p.m., representatives from Locks of Love will be on hand to cut and collect hair to make wigs for those who lose their hair during chemotherapy. A minimum length of 10 inches or more is needed. There will be games, including a scavenger hunt, kids crafts and those in attendance can test their throwing accuracy at the dunk tank.