The Relay for Life began in 1985 in Tacoma, Wa. with Dr. Gordy Klatt circling a track for 24 hours to raise money to fight cancer. The idea went viral before that was even a word and each year the number of relays around the world grew. Over the years, the annual event has raised nearly $5 billion.

The Martha’s Vineyard Relay for Life takes place at the regional high school track on Saturday, June 4. In the past, participants camped out all night long around the track, but this year’s event goes from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Teams set up tents and booths and the entire community is invited to stop by and lend support by walking in solidarity or just saying hi. Throughout the day there will be numerous activities including water balloon tosses and bean bag horseshoes. At 1 p.m. there will be a team lap, and at 4:30 p.m. there will be a survivors lap and a caretakers lap.

The evening activities include a whiffle ball game and at 8:30 p.m. there is the luminaria lap to honor those who have died from cancer.

For more information and to make a donation, visit relayforlife.org/marthasvineyardMA.