SANTA MARIA - Thousands of people are expected to participate in a show of solidarity in Santa Maria this weekend in the fight against cancer.
More than 100 relay teams are registered for this weekend's Relay for Life at the Elks/Unocal Events Center.
Volunteers spent Friday setting up for the annual event that benefits the American Cancer Society.
Members of each team walk around the inside of the arena for 24 uninterrupted hours.
"You can expect a group of people that are going to come out and all get together on one idea", says Santa Maria Relay for Life Organizer Tony Gonzales, "the idea is killing cancer, completely getting rid of it, celebrating the lives of people who are dealing with it now and remembering those who have lost to it and fighting back, that's what we're all out here about."
The event begins Saturday morning at 10:00am with the opening ceremonies then the 24-hour relay begins with closing ceremonies on Sunday.
The public is welcome to come and watch or participate individually.
