An annual Jaycees-sponsored event cherished among Hall County residents returns once again with activities for the whole family.

Mule Camp is an event featuring a variety of mountain arts and crafts, putting the festival-goers in touch with the rich heritage of the Appalachian foothills. The downtown square will be filled with vendors selling their wares ranging from food, clothes and handmade jewelry.

The three-day event will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, and Saturday, Oct. 10, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. All activities will occur in downtown Gainesville near the square.

Live music will be heard from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with performances in both country and bluegrass genres from local musicians.

Adults and children alike can take mule rides. Plus, younger children can get up close and personal with animals in the petting zoo or jump around in the bounce house.

While the fun is happening around the square, others will take their mark and race around it.

The Georgia Mountains YMCA will sponsor the inaugural Mule Camp Market 5K and Fun Run on Saturday morning.

On the starting line first will be runners pacing themselves for a 1-mile Fun Run at 8 a.m. Next on the line will be the half-mile races. The starting gun will fire at 8:15 a.m.

Finally, athletes hitting the pavement around town for 5 kilometers will take their mark at 8:30 a.m.

All runners will follow the course through downtown Gainesville and travel across the Gainesville bridge and onto the Midtown Greenway.

Cost for the races are $10 for the 1-mile, $5 for the half-mile $25-$30 for the 5K.

Prizes will be awarded to each age group in the 5K, with additional prizes from Sailing on Lanier and Princeton Salon and Spa.

Proceeds from the race will benefit underprivileged families in the region. They funds will pay for swimming lessons and other essential programs through the Georgia Mountain YMCA.

For more information on the races, call Angie Beccue at the YMCA at 770-297-9622 or visit www.gamountainsymca.org/mulecamp5k.

For more information on Mule Camp Market, visit www.gainesvillejaycees.org/about/projects/mule-camp/.