By Libby Criswell
Special to Daily News

The 21st annual Hogansville Hummingbird Festival is approaching, and with it are two events that are fun and family-friendly.

The fourth annual Hogansville Hummingbird Tower Trail 5K Run will be held Saturday, Oct. 6 at 9 a.m.

This event is open to those of all ages and fitness levels. Both walking and running are permitted, and strollers and dogs are welcome at the race. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of each age category.

Registration for the race is set to begin at 8 a.m. at Hogansville Elementary School. The cost of entering is $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

The event is sponsored by All Pro Auto Group LaGrange.

Also leading up to the Hummingbird festival is the second annual Howl-O-Ween Dog Parade, which will be hosted on Saturday, Oct. 13 at 11 a.m.

The event is free for both dogs and owners. Registration begins at Calvin Hipp Veterans Memorial Park at 10 a.m. on the morning of the race. The information for pre-registration can be found on the Hummingbird Festival’s website.

Participating dogs must be vaccinated and on a leash, and though costumes are encouraged, they are optional.

Several prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the race, including best costume, best kisser, best behaved and most resembling owner. The Dog Parade will be a fun activity for all ages and all dogs.

The Hummingbird Festival’s main event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20, and Sunday, Oct. 21.

The outdoor festival will last from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. The event consists of more than 200 vendors, live music, a food court, crafts, local shops and a kids area. There will be free parking and free admission. Local restaurants will be open as well.

“The festival is 100 percent volunteer. No one gets paid anything for their involvement,” said Mary Stewart, an organizer of the event. “100 percent of the profit goes to the city, back to the community.”

All proceeds from the event benefit the Hogansville Charitable Trust, a nonprofit organization focusing on the renovation and preservation of historical properties in Hogansville.

“We are a very family-friendly festival,” Stewart said. “And we’re expecting this one to be the best one yet.”