RUMFORD – A celebration of the Androscoggin River will be held Saturday when the River Valley Chamber of Commerce holds its first Fall Foliage River Run from the Hanover boat launch to the Rumford boat launch.

At about the same time, the annual Rotary and Hope Association-sponsored Oktoberfest takes place at the former armory.

The 9.5 mile canoe and kayak trek is meant to draw attention to and promote the river, said Joseph Roberts, vice chairman of the river run committee and a chamber member.

Any funds raised will go toward chamber projects.

Canoes manned by one, two or more people, and kayaks with one or two people, will paddle the length of the run. First and second place trophies will be awarded in several classes, and first place winners will receive a special prize from Volkernick’s Sausage, one of the area businesses helping to sponsor the event.

Registration is $10 per person prior to the race, or $15 per person on race day. Register at the River Valley Chamber of Commerce by calling 364-3241. The first 25 registrants will receive T-shirts commemorating the Fall Foliage River Run given by Jarato’s.

Med-Care Ambulance Service and the Rumford Fire Department will be on standby during the race. Canoers and kayakers who need transportation back to their vehicles at the Hanover dock can take a shuttle provided by Sunday River Transportation.

Roberts said several sites along the 9.5-mile stretch can accommodate race viewers. A photographer will be available to take pictures that will be ready for the awards ceremony that follows at 2 p.m. at Premium Specialty Hardwoods on Route 2, also a race sponsor.

At the ceremony, the Mountain Valley Boosters Club will sell chili, stews, soup, beverages and dessert, along with offerings from a privately-owned hot dog wagon. Raffle tickets will be offered for a cord of wood and 50/50 cash. Other raffle tickets will be offered for a kayak. The winning name for that raffle will be drawn during the Christmas in the Valley event.

Other sponsors of the river run are NewPage Corp., Riverside Realty. Erik Designs, LLC, and Brookfield Power New England.

The area’s first craft fair is a featured event at the annual Oktoberfest from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Crafters, jelly-makers, holiday items, baskets, jewelry and books are among items available.

The day kicks off with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. by the Rotary, followed by a pizza lunch served by the Rotary Interact Club. Other events include a Chinese auction, a 50/50 raffle, games of chance, children’s games provided by the River Valley Healthy Communities Coalition, palm reading and Rune stone reading.

Admission is free for the craft fair; fees for breakfast and lunch.

Proceeds will benefit the projects of the Rotary and Hope Association.