BETHEL — Newtown’s neighbors to the west will be holding a special Newtown Lap during their Relay For Life event this weekend.

Relay for Life of Bethel, which will be held Saturday and Sunday, June 8-9, at Bethel High School, will honor Newtown cancer survivors, patients and caregivers with a special lap at 5 pm Saturday.

Bethel’s Relay will have its Opening Ceremony at 4 pm (including the Survivors Lap at 4:20), Luminaria Ceremony at 9 pm, and Fight Back Ceremony at 11 pm.

Registration is not required for residents who would like to participate in the Newtown Lap, said American Cancer Society representative Rob Gerowe.

“We are inviting Newtown residents,” he said Friday morning. “With Newtown’s event cancelled this year, we would just like them to come and experience Relay, and be part of it with us. It’s our way of reaching out.”

Current weather forecasts have today’s rain now extending into tomorrow afternoon and early evening. That means a wet, but not cancelled, Relay in Bethel.

“As long as there’s nothing dangerous, we Relay even when it’s raining out. Cancer doesn’t sleep or stop on rainy days, so we still move forward as long as we can,” said Mr Gerowe. “I’m staying positive, and just hoping that the weather will cooperate. “

Bethel High School is at 300 Whittlesey Drive., For a look at the full schedule of this weekend’s Bethel Relay, click here.