Smiles Shine Through Rain at Saucon Valley Relay for Life (Photos)

A damp day didn’t dampen spirits at the American Cancer Society’s annual Greater Bethlehem Area-Saucon Valley Relay for Life event in Hellertown’s Dimmick Park, although it did result in a shorter-than-normal event.

In spite of off-and-on heavy rain and temperatures that were about 20 degrees below normal, most participants took the weather in stride.

The annual Relay is a celebration of cancer survivorship during which local teams walk a loop continuously for 24 hours in order to help raise awareness and money for cancer research.

This year’s event began at noon Saturday and was abbreviated, concluding at 9 p.m. instead of noon on Sunday due to the rainy weather and concern about possible storms during the overnight hours.

In addition to teams of walkers–who begin the relay with a Survivors’ Lap around the park–Relay for Life features vendors, music, activities, raffles and food.

Photos by Chris Christian