While in person events were not possible in 2020 for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, the area’s 2021 event is on target for a fall gathering.

There is also a new name – Relay For Life of Greater Stanislaus County – which will feature the joining of three area events. Modesto, Turlock and the Oakdale-Riverbank-Escalon-Waterford individual relays are forming a large singular event this year.

ACS staff partner TJ Johnson said excitement is growing as the event leads prepare for the official ‘kickoff’ to the upcoming 2021 Relay For Life.

A virtual Kickoff Party has been scheduled on Wednesday, April 21 at 6 p.m.

This initial meeting will be a get together via Zoom to celebrate the new event year and plans for having a traditional in-person event this fall.

“During the party we’ll have plenty of prize winning opportunities as well as information about our partnership with the Modesto Nuts and having our event at John Thurman Field,” Johnson said.

Current plans are for an October event for Relay For Life at the minor league ballpark in Modesto, going back to the traditional 24-hour format and featuring teams from Modesto, Oakdale, Valley Home, Turlock, Escalon, Riverbank, Waterford and beyond.

The Zoom link for all those interested in signing up a team or just learning more about the October event is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86245267265?pwd=Vm43ZVRqdzhsaXVGL2M0aFZvSHp0QT09

For those unable to attend with the Zoom link, the meeting ID is 862 4526 7265 and the passcode is 250605.