RUMFORD – The fifth annual Family Fun Festival kicks off at Black Mountain at 8 a.m. Saturday with a pancake breakfast in the lodge, followed by activities throughout the day.

Last year, more than 100 children and adults took part in trail runs, bicycle tours, race walks or kids’ walks, said Lisa Arsenault, manager of the Black Mountain lodge.

New this year are biathlon demonstrations followed by a chance to compete in a biathlon run/shoot. Participants will run 5K, stopping to shoot targets during the race. The race begins at 1 p.m., preceded by demonstrations from 10 a.m.

Other races are a 5K race walk, and a children’s 1K run/walk.

Bicycle tours of 25, 50 and 100 miles along the Ellis, Androscoggin and Swift rivers are also offered. Food and water will be available at rest tops on the route, along with safety and support vehicles.

A chowder challenge, with a dozen different chowders prepared by nine restaurants, takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For $5, visitors get to taste each chowder, then vote for their favorite.

Also happening that day are bicycle tours, a guided hike to the top of Black Mountain, fly casting and Nordic walking demonstrations, and a training camp for skiers.

Event registration begins at 7 a.m. Registration materials and fees may be found online at www.skiblackmountain.org. Awards will be given for trail events to the top three runners in men’s and women’s categories. Awards will also be presented in each 10-year age group.

The event is sponsored by Rumford Hospital and Black Mountain of Maine.

“We support it financially because Black Mountain’s mission is to improve health and lifestyles through outdoor activity,” said Jane Bubar, spokeswoman for Rumford Hospital.

The Rotary’s youth organization, Interact, is serving the pancake breakfast. Paul Jones’ apple crisp is expected to top off the chowder lunch.

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