The second annual New River Valley Hike for Hospice will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Claytor Lake State Park on April 23.

The main event will take place at picnic shelter #1, right on the lakeshore.

The afternoon will include live blue grass music, games, fishing and three different group hikes. Participants can choose whether they want to take the easy/ADA accessible trail, moderate trail or advanced trail. All hikes will be led by a park ranger.

Lunch will be provided by Heathwood Market Catering. Backcountry.com and Backcountry Ski & Sport are providing outdoor gear as raffle prizes. raffling off outdoor gear and other raffle prize.

There will also be a memorial service with a dove release at the end of the event.

All money raised will be designated to supporting and enhancing Good Samaritan Hospice’s bereavement program which serves families and individuals in the New River Valley who are coping with loss and grief.

Participants can register online in advance by visiting Good Samaritan Hospice’s website, www.goodsamhospice.org, and clicking the “Hike for Hospice” tab. Online registration will be open until April 19.

Day-of event registration will also be available from 1:30-2 p.m. All hikes will begin at 2 p.m.

Adult pre-registration is $25, student pre-registration is $20, and a team (four or more) is $20. Fees will increase by $5 for day-of registration. All participants who register online in advance are guaranteed a Hike for Hospice T-shirt.

Children under three can participate for free, but no T-shirts will be available for them.

Once participants register online, they are able to create their own online fundraising pages. If participants raise over $100 from their personal fundraising page, they get a long-sleeved “Hike for Hospice Here” shirt.

— Submitted by Mary E. Renwick