The Joe Barber Memorial Relay For life at the Refugio Fairgrounds starts at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, with the survivor’s reception. The dinner is by invitation only.

The relay will conclude at 7 a.m. on Sunday, following a sunrise service and clean up.

“Everyone is encouraged to come out to the fairgrounds and take part in all the activities planned,” said Kate Campbell, event chair. “Remember, there is no finish line until we find a cure!”

The honorees for this year’s relay are Becky Witliff, Capt. Don Foxhall, Esther Govella and Helen Lamprecht. The memorials are Atwood Rohan, Ethan Fricks, James and Shirley Baucum and Jo Ann Piehl.

Kenneth Wright will preside over the opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. followed by the luminaria ceremony. This is one of the most moving aspects of the event.

Every candle has the name of a survivor or the name of a person who has lost their battle with cancer. A luminaria represents the light of hope all cancer patients share. All luminarias are placed around the “track” on Saturday and the actual lighting will occur at dusk.