GREENFIELD — There’s no training needed for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachusetts’ annual Point 5K, but participants should bring their appetites.

The fundraiser, to be held at the Franklin County Fairgrounds on Thursday, July 17, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., is a “mock of a 5K,” as described by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachusetts Chief Growth Officer Chris Thompson. Instead of running to a finish line, attendees can stroll through a 546-yard course of local food and drink vendors.

“We kind of have fun with that,” he added.

The price of admission is $15, which gives attendees access to all the vendors set up at the fairgrounds. The money raised helps support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachusetts, which fosters one-on-one mentoring relationships for children by matching “Bigs,” adult mentors over the age of 21, with “Littles,” kids ages 6 to 14, based on aligning interests, personalities and locations.

This year, the Point 5K will feature a pirate theme, an idea developed by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachusetts Marketing Coordinator Noah Pfeiffer. The event has a different theme each year, and having played the part in children’s entertainment before, Pfeiffer decided to reprise their role as Scruffy the Pirate.

“It’s just fun to have themes,” Pfeiffer said. “They’re really a good way for kids to connect and get engaged in any sort of project.”

Pirate games, trivia and outfits will all be included in the thematic festivities of this year’s Point 5K.

“I will be there as Scruffy, with my very on-theme megaphone, as all pirates have,” Pfeiffer added.

Antonio’s Pizza and the Franklin County Fairgrounds’ Lelo’s booth will be providing food, while The Brewery at Four Star Farms and Loophole Brewing will offer drink samples. Families can enjoy their food and drinks at the picnic area of the fairgrounds.

98.3 FM WHAI will be broadcasting the event live to its radio listeners. The Greenfield Garden Cinemas will provide popcorn, and whoopie pies will be available courtesy of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, which also assisted in the printing of placemats for the event.

The annual Point 5K was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic, when indoor fundraisers were unviable. The fairgrounds offered a space where community members could convene safely and enjoy time together with local food and drinks, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachusetts has continued the event ever since.

“The fairgrounds have been supportive since the beginning,” Thompson said. “And it’s a nice event to celebrate in the summertime, when there’s less hustle and bustle.”

“It’s really important as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Mass that we have events in each of the counties we serve,” Pfeiffer said. “As someone in the Franklin County office, I’m always excited about the Point 5K.”

For more information about the Point 5K and to buy tickets, visit secure.qgiv.com/for/2025point5kregistration.