Six teams set up tents at Ford Field on Saturday morning for the 2011 Relay for Life of Northville. The opening ceremony kicked off at 10 a.m. Saturday and continues through 10 a.m. Sunday.

The teams comprise local residents who are committed to fighting cancer, many of whom are cancer survivors themselves. Most of the fundraising happens before the event, but teams also sell various goods from their tents during the relay.

Each team aims to keep at least one of its members walking the track at all times. Members take turns walking for the length of the 24-hour event.

Some in attendance, including Angela Harris of the American Cancer Society, said they were disappointed by the low turnout this year, with most blaming the weather as the culprit.

Others, such as Jack Klarr, said that attendance has been in decline since the Northville High School students broke away to form a separate relay event with Novi High School.

More people showed up for the evening ceremony, which started at 9:30 p.m. Saturday. About 50 people were in the audience to hear Arta and Egis Dervishi sing a series of touching duets to commemorate those who have lost their lives to cancer.