HAMMOND — Hammond Community Fall Festival organizers are hoping for a large turnout this weekend.

The fifth annual event, which began Friday, continues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today with a 5K run/walk, cider making and children’s games, among other activities.

“We’re hoping for good weather,” said Lisa J. Gallagher, festival chairwoman. “The first year we had it, we had nothing but rain, but we had a great turnout.”

Although the festival is sponsored by Hammond Presbyterian Church, 215 St. Lawrence Ave., all the money raised from the event will support mission projects locally and globally.

Charities include Soldiers’ Angels; Adopt a Platoon; the St. Lawrence Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; Hammond Food Pantry; Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley; Habitat for Humanity; Ministries in the North Country; Church World Service; AIDS Community Resources; Marion Medical Mission’s Shallow Well Program, and Native North American Traveling College.

Last year’s festival raised more than $2,500.

“We would like to increase the amount over last year,” said the Rev. Cathryn M. Stevenson, church pastor. “But mostly we want to provide the Hammond community an opportunity to come together and have a good time, to enjoy being together.”

Registration for today’s walk/run begins at 8 a.m., with the race starting at 9. T-shirts will be given to the first 50 people registered. The cost is $10 per person; water will be provided. All proceeds will go to AIDS Community Resources.

The day also will include a bounce house, food, art demonstrations, wagon rides, a bake sale, miniature horses, pumpkin painting, cake walks, all-day raffles and centerpiece making.

Music will be provided by the Rustic Riders from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and the Jack Kelley Little Big Band from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

There also will be a nature photo contest, with more than 35 entries, at the church.

The Hammond Fire Department will demonstrate its new cardiac defibrillator from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the church. The unit was purchased with community donations.

Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 5 to 12. Admission includes a hot dog, chili and beverage. The first 50 children will be admitted free, courtesy of Ned’s General Store, 12 N. Main St.

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