HAMMOND -- Beginner and experienced paddlers will take to Chippewa Bay Saturday, Aug. 18 to help launch new community developments, support local organizations and fund their “Immediate Needs Fund,” which helps individuals in need.

The “Poker Run” style event will be held rain or shine from 8 a.m. to noon at Schermerhorn Harbor, with checkpoints at various islands in Chippewa Bay.

Pre-registration at VisitHammondNY.com by Aug. 3, at $30 adults and $20 youth, gets a commemorative T-shirt plus a $5 savings off the $35/$25 admission after Aug. 3.

Each year 100 or more kayakers have raised their paddles in support of Hammond, a small piece of paradise nestled between the St. Lawrence River and Black Lake.

This year the fund is supporting the Hammond Backpack Program; sending less fortunate kids to Camp Colby in the Adirondacks this summer through local fish and game associations; creating a $500 high-school leadership scholarship; creating a community tourism destination video for promotion of community assets; and supporting the Catholic Church’s Parish Center, to be used for community and youth recreation. Efforts are still being made to identify and install public kayak launches in the area, to benefit residents and visitors alike.

“There is a serenity and camaraderie that exists when you’re with a group of people on the water,” organizer Erica Garlock believes. “We have a special niche in Chippewa Bay that so many deserve and have yet to experience.”

An awards ceremony at Foster’s Harbor Inn follows the poker run. Grand prizes from generous local businesses will be awarded for the top three poker hands in adult and minor divisions. Prizes include an overnight stay in Singer Castle’s royal suite and a Sea-Doo GTI Sea Scooter donated by Vintage Doors. Youth prizes include a giant inflatable floating flamingo for up to six people, a remote-control boat, and an adventure package to many of the area’s top attractions. Door prizes will be awarded, and kayak raffle tickets will be available, along with entertainment, food, drinks and more.

The Poker Run begins promptly at 9 a.m. and offers a short, enjoyable voyage. No kayak? No problem. Rentals are available in advance at VisitHammondNY.com.

The event is being hosted by the Foundation for Community Betterment and volunteers in the Hammond area who want to promote tourism and business awareness in our community (VisitHammondNY.com).

More info: www.VisitHammondNY.com, www.facebook.com/ChippewaBayPokerRun, visithammondny@gmail.com .