WATERVILLE — The Kennebec Valley Area Walk to End Alzheimer’s is scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at Head of Falls Riverwalk on Front Street, or in people’s own neighborhoods as they walk from home.

The opening ceremony takes place in the newly-renovated park. The walk route crosses the pedestrian Two Cent Bridge, offering views of the Kennebec River.

At the walk sites, there will be safety protocols including physical distancing and contactless registration. Per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, all attendees are asked to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or to wear a mask when in a crowded area. Masks will be available on site.

New this year, when the site opens at 8 a.m., the route will offer rolling starts to encourage social distancing. Participants can opt to finish the walk before or after the condensed Promise Garden Ceremony, which begins at 9 a.m.

All attendees are encouraged to physically distance and to use hand sanitizer that will be available throughout the site. Walk day will be as contactless as possible, and all walkers are asked to register and turn in donations in advance using the mobile app or via QR codes on site.

The Alzheimer’s Association offers a fun and meaningful walk-day experience for those walking in their own neighborhoods. Download its mobile app to watch the recorded opening and Promise Garden Ceremony. The Promise Garden will be in augmented reality (AR) and allows people to select a flower and plant it among others. They also can track their at-home walk, with AR start and finish lines.

“We are excited to move ahead with our Walk to End Alzheimer’s, following all local and state safety protocols,” said Drew Wyman, executive director of the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, according to a news release from the association. “Whether you join us at one of our seven walks on-site, or in your own community, know that you are making a difference for those with dementia and their families and we thank you.”

To register a team for the Kennebec Valley Area Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/maine/walk.

For more information on the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, visit alz.org/maine.

For more information about the Alzheimer’s Association, visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.

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