Joshua’s Hands, a nonprofit in honor of Joshua Guthrie, will hold its 40th annual Fall Festival on Saturday in Hamilton from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, with free entry for all.

The organization was founded by Guthrie’s mother, Joyce Guthrie, after her son’s premature passing at 16 in 1998. The Guthrie family established the organization to carry on their son’s relationship with God and passion for helping others. 

In Joshua’s spirit, they have created scholarships, collected quilts for veterans and raised donations to further their cause.

“I know the lady, Joyce Guthrie, who runs the whole thing,” junior Quinn Hetherington said. “She created it because her son passed away in a car accident, and me and my mom used to clog with her in a dance group. And she asked us to help out every year because she needs all the help she can get. And we always do because it’s always a great time.”

There are activities for all ages at the Fall Festival. For the little ones, there will be face painting from 12-4, carnival games, a petting zoo, arts and crafts stations, pony rides from 12-4 and an obstacle course. 

For older attendees, there will be an auction filled with gift cards and other community gifts, and quilting, weaving, caning and knitting demonstrations. Additionally, a traditional spelling bee will be held, one at 1 and one at 3. 

“Last year, I helped out with a crafts table for kids where you print out a photo of them sitting near a tree, and put it on a little card for them,” Hetherington said.

Entertainment will be available during the entire festival. Acts and musicians include the band Jayde, father and daughter duo Wages Day, the Celtic School of Rhythm and Dance and The Catoctin School of Music.

“I know that Joyce and my mom’s clogging group are going to perform at the festival,” Hetherington said, referring to the Celtic School of Rhythm and Dance. “So I’m hoping that they do a good performance, and everyone enjoys it. And I’m hoping that the kids who show up have a good time.”