NATCHEZ — Monica’s Hope foundation is promoting good health in more ways than one with the organization’s fifth-annual Cancer Walk on the Natchez Bluff this weekend.

Attendees will get exercise while supporting cancer patients in the Miss-Lou as they walk back and forth from the Natchez Grand Hotel to Madison Street.

Registration for the walk starts at 7:30 a.m. Saturday on the bluff and lasts until the walk commences at 9 a.m. The cost is $10 per person, or $50 for a team of five to 10 members, $75 for a team of 11 to 20 members, and free for children under 18 years old.

All proceeds will allow the Monica’s Hope foundation to provide financial assistance to locals in need, said the foundation’s founder, Monica Hickombottom Smith.

“I was diagnosed in 2014 with breast cancer,” Smith said. “The trials and tribulations that I went through led me to found Monica’s Hope.”

Smith said she went through a life-altering surgery to have her cancer removed and bypass chemo and radiation therapy. The decision altered her both physically and emotionally, Smith said.

“I know that there are other people who go through the same trials, and I wanted to support them,” she said.

The foundation also helps locals pay for mammograms when funds are available, Smith said, and now offers a non-emergency medical transportation service to those insured through Medicaid.

The Monica’s Hope Fifth-Annual Cancer Walk lasts until noon Saturday, complete with vendors and entertainment, and will be moved to the Natchez Mall in the event of inclement weather, Smith said.

“We’re going to have face painters, vendors and possibly an appearance from local dancers,” she said. “So many people in the community are being diagnosed with cancer every day. You never know when that someone could be you or your family member. The $75 you spend to help someone receive medical care could be the $75 that saves someone’s life.”

Call 601-443-7998 or visit Monicashope601@aol.com for more details. Those seeking transportation assistance can call 1-844-525-3085 and ask for Monica’s Hope.

Don’t miss these other events happening this weekend:

4The Pop-Up Farmer’s Market lasts from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday and will be open every Saturday in September at the 300 block of South Broadway. Call 662-816-5458 for more details.

4The Natchez Biscuit Festival will appear at the Farmer’s Market from 8 a.m. to noon followed by a songwriters showcase at 7 p.m. at Biscuits and Blues, featuring Hailey Steele from NBC’s “The Voice.” The cost is $10 to attend the showcase. Two tickets for biscuit tasting are $5.

4A street-naming ceremony in honor of longtime Concordia Parish educator and school administrator Fred Butcher begins at 2 p.m. at Ferriday Hall on First Street and continues at Ferriday High School where the signs will be unveiled.