Mower County’s Relay for Life is in full swing this weekend.

The fundraiser, which benefits the American Cancer Society, honors cancer survivors and remembers loved ones lost to the disease, kicks off Saturday.

The official opening event takes place at Hy-Vee from 10 a.m to 1 p.m., near the old Community Bank location, according to Linda Baier, Mower County Relay for Life chair.

Here, team captains can pick up materials, new teams and individuals can inquire about joining the relay and information will be made available to potential volunteers.

Prior to the kick off, from 8 to 10 a.m. at Applebee’s restaurant, fundraising festivities include a flapjack fundraiser, with a breakfast of pancakes, sausage and a beverage for $6 — $5 of which directly benefits the Relay for Life.

In conjunction with the Relay for Life is the second annual Cruise-In for Cancer Car Show, held at the same time at Applebee’s. This open to classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. There is no registration fee and there will be Dash Plaques and door prizes.

“Our fundraising goal this year is $102,500,” said Baier, noting that they hope to have 35 teams.

The local relay fell about $900 short of $100,000 last year, she added.

Teams who cannot sign up Saturday can still do so by contacting Baier or visiting the Web site almost until the date of the event, Baier said.

The Mower County Relay For Life does not require a fee to have a team, but those signing up on the national relay’s Web site will be asked to pay one.

The Mower County Relay for Life takes place at Veterans Pavilion/Bandshell Park in Austin, and will be held Aug. 7 and Aug. 8.

According to the American Cancer Society, the first team relay event was held in 1986, when 19 teams participated in Washington. Today, more than 4,400 relays occur throughout the United States, with more than 20 nations joining the efforts.

If you are interested in showing your vehicle at the car show, call 433-6812.

For more information about the Mower County Relay for Life, go to the group’s Facebook page or www.mowercountyrelayforlife.org.

Relay for Life Kick-Off

When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Hy-vee, 1001 18th Ave. NW

What: Event for new and returning teams and anyone interested in participating in Relay For Life.

Relay for Life Flapjack Fundraiser

When: Saturday, 8 to 10 a.m.

Where: Applebee’s, 1404 18th Ave. NW

Tickets: $6

($5 of which goes directly to Relay For Life)

Tickets available from any committee member or at the door.