Ebbie Neptune Field at Westlake High School’s Chaparral Stadium Saturday will be filled with tents Saturday night as part of the eighth annual Relay For Life Westlake.

The overnight event involves the entire community on a united front to fight cancer, remember those who lost their batlle and show support for survivors.

From the opening ceremony at 7 p.m. to the closing when hundreds of tired campers take their tents and go home, spirits are sure to be riding particularly high among the 83 teams who have signed up for this year’s event. Theresa Wilbanks, who is co-chairing the event with Susan Cippele and Barbara Bearden, said part of the reason is that many were missed out on last year’s overnight event that was canelled due the swine flu epidemic threat.

“Everything is going to be great because all the other weekends have had rain,” and there is no swine flu on anybody’s radar,” Wilbanks said.

John Kelso, the longtime humor columnist for the Austin American Statesman and cancer survivor, will be the featured speaker for the opening ceremony. Kelso manages to find humor in everything, which is evidenced by a column he penned a year ago when he talks about his ultimate battle.

“I’m not telling you this for your sympathy, although prayers and well wishes are accepted,” he states in the column. “I’m telling you this so you’ll know what’s going on. If there’s a column missing now and then, you’ll know why.”

Kelso concludes the column saying, “I’ll be trying to drink a lot of dietary supplement drinks to try to keep my weight up. Is col’ beer a dietary supplement? And don’t be inviting me out for barbecue during that month or I’ll have to slap you.”

Distict 48 State Rep. Donna Howard will also address the crowd during the opening ceremony.

Relay for Life attendees who have never been diagnosed with cancer and are between the ages of 30 and 65 will have an opportunity to apply for a study aimed at preventing cancer. A booth will be set up for anyone interested in participating in the third Cancer Prevention Study.

To learn more about the third Cancer Prevention Study, send an e-mail to cps3westlake@gmail.com.

In addition to participants taking turns making laps throughout the night until 7 a.m. Sunday morning, beginning with a survivor lap at 7:30 p.m., the event will feature an array of fun activities and entertainment, from Dancing Grannies to the youthful Loose Wheels Band.

Anyone who would like to become a corporate sponsor or find out how to build a team should visit www.RelayForLife.org/westlaketx or call Wilbanks at 619-7712.