The Canadian Cancer Society British Columbia and Yukon region will continue a special tradition Saturday with its annual Relay for Life.

So far about 40 teams are registered to walk a loop that, for the first time in the Relay's history, begins in Shipyards Park.

Teams can be any size and the idea is to have at least one member walking from shortly after 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. the following morning.

The relay is not only a fund-raiser for the cancer society, but it's also a celebration for survivors and provides opportunity to acknowledge those who have passed away from the disease, said Canadian Cancer Society Yukon regional manager Marjorie Rogers.

"Participation is the key here," she said. "We want them to take a 12-hour period and remember those favourably who are celebrating that they survived it and remember those who have passed on because of it. It's wonderful because it covers everything, it's a chance to remember the good and the bad and the hope of the future."

Registration will re-open on Saturday at 5 p.m. at the park's main building, which coincides with a survivors' and caregivers' reception/banquet. Team registration requires a $20 donation to the cancer society. Candles will also be sold for $5.

The opening ceremonies, led by Yukon MP Larry Bagnell, are scheduled for 7 p.m.

After the opening ceremonies there will be a survivors' and caregivers' celebration lap led by the Midnight Sun Pipe Band.

New for 2009 is a team parade, which will have all of the members of a group do a lap of their own around the track.

Live music will be played throughout the evening and a pancake breakfast, provided by the Grey Mountain Lion's Club, is scheduled for 5:30 a.m., helping to wind down the event.The final lap will be held at 6:45 a.m.

Rogers said she is really happy with the expected turnout.

"We're just be grateful to the community," she said. "We would just really would love people whether they could contribute or donate to come anyway. Just come, come and have a good time, it's going to be beautiful weather and it will be a beautiful evening to be out there."