NEWPORT-After months of frenzied, dedicated work by hundreds of volunteers, Cocke County Relay for Life 2008's grand celebration will open tonight at Cocke County A & I Fairgrounds. An opening ceremony at 6 p.m. will kick off the 24-hour event, which will include music, food, and entertainment.

Relay for Life began several years ago as a way to bring cancer awareness to the public as well as raise funds for the American Cancer Society. "Because cancer never sleeps, neither do we," said Jennifer Eisenhower, who chaired Cocke County's event for the second year.

"Beginning at 6 p.m. tonight, we will be at the fairgrounds for 24 hours, with many people spending the night. Our goal is to have someone walking the track constantly during this time," she explained.

All local cancer survivors are urged to attend tonight's ceremony. "We will have special recognition of survivors at 7 p.m.," continued Eisenhower, "and present medallions to them. Following this, the survivors will kick off the walking by doing the first lap. For those who are not able to walk, we will have wheelchairs available."

At 8 p.m., nearly 60 teams will be recognized. "We have added more than 20 teams from last year," said Jennifer Howard, Team Recruitment Co-chair. "Last year we had 36 teams and our goal for this year was to have 50."

These teams range from schools to churches to businesses to industries to groups of friends. "Some of our teams have been active for years," said Howard, "and they provide the leadership and help to our newer teams."

One of the most poignant parts of the event will be the luminaria ceremony and walk at 9 p.m. "Hundreds of luminaria will line the track," said Eisenhower. "These are lit in honor of cancer survivors and in memory of those who lost their battles."

Several teams will have food and drinks available.

Saturday's celebration will include children's games, a car show, karaoke, beauty pageants, a womanless beauty pageant, special music and field games.

"Everyone is cordially invited to join us," said Eisenhower. "This is a family appropriate event which serves a great purpose."