The fourth-annual event, hosted by Northpointe Behavioral Healthcare System, kicks off at 10 a.m. at the facility at 715 Pyle Drive in Kingsford.

Participants are invited to walk or run the 5K at their own pace in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month.

“The Color Walk brings everyone together while raising awareness of mental health and reducing the stigma surrounding it,” Community Outreach/Event Coordinator Andrea Kayser said. “We want to show our support and make sure no one feels alone.”

About 600 individuals have already registered for the 2026 Color Walk. “We are well over 50 percent higher than we were last year,” she said. “It’s exciting how we continue to grow.”

The pink color station show offs fun costumes at the 2025 Color Walk. From left are Shaun Gogolewski, Lisa Barinotti, Erin Maki, Chelsey Goad and Christy Harvey. (Submitted photo)

The route will go down Pyle Drive, going left on Evergreen Drive, left on Moroni Drive and back on Westwood then turn right on Pyle Drive to finish at Northpointe.

This year they will have 12 sponsored color stations that will be staffed by volunteers who are encouraged to dress up as added fun.

As participants pass by each station, a different-colored powder will be thrown up into the air.

“At the end they will come back really colorful and will wear those colors proudly in support for mental health — that is the purpose,” Kayser said. “We’re happy to bring this to the community.”

Northpointe will have photo props set along the route. “We encourage everyone to stop, share a moment and tag us for a chance to win a prize,” she said.

The teal color station showers participants at the 2025 event. From left are Lydia Johnson, Vivien Johnson, Izzy Hull and Rocke Johnson. (Submitted photo)

Local radio stations will broadcast live during the day.

Registered individuals can pick-up their free white T-shirt starting at 9 a.m.

Those who missed out on registration are still welcome to attend, Kayser said, adding, “We just encourage them to wear white.”

At the finish line they will have a variety of activities and entertainment in the parking lot, including bounce house and obstacle course.

New this year, they will have D’s Creative Faces, offering face painting for all.

New food trucks for this year’s are Slice and Stacked, Sugar Jets and Mama’s Mangia Mobile. “We wanted to change it up a little this year,” she said.

Northpointe will have mental health and community resource information accessible through a QR code.

“We find that carrying around a packet of paper isn’t convenient, especially when you’re engaging in the event,” Kayser said. “By providing a simple QR code everyone can get easy access to all up to date local resources.”

Everyone is welcome to attend the free, family-oriented event. Participants don’t have to go the entire route and also can just come to join the activities at the end of the walk.

Safe parking is available at the Kingsford Middle/High School parking lot.

She noted the streets will not be shut down; however, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Department and Kingsford Public Safety will assist with traffic when they can.

“We want to encourage the public — if possible — to avoid Pyle Drive and route streets from 9 and 11:30 a.m.,” Kayser said. “It would be greatly appreciated.”

She thanked all the businesses, organizations and individuals for support in this year’s Color Walk. “It has come together nicely,” she said. “We are really looking forward to seeing everyone come together on Saturday.”

Northpointe also extends a special thank you to First National Bank & Trust for their continued support since the beginning four years ago. “Their involvement has been essential to our success,” Kayser said.

Donations are welcome to help support future events and can be made on their website or event Facebook page.

For more information, registration or to make a contribution, go to https://www.nbhs.org and click on Community Strong Color Walk Registration or go to the Northpointe Behavioral Healthcare System’s Facebook page.

Anyone in need of help with a mental crisis is encouraged to call the 24-7 hotline at 1-800-750-0522 or 988.

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.