BUTLER TWP — Preliminary totals are in from the weekend's Relay for Life at Butler Intermediate High School.

Ernie Copper, with the American Cancer Society, said today the two-day event raised $61,000. Between 500 and 600 people participated.

Copper said the participation of the Butler BlueSox baseball team and good weather for hot air balloon riders were highlights of the event.

This is the 18th year of the Butler Relay for Life, making it one of the five oldest in the state. During the years, the events have raised more than $750,000.