2026 Signs of Hope Walk

May 30, 2026 | Augusta, Maine

About the Walk

We are so glad you are considering joining us for the 2026 Signs of Hope Walk. This special morning is about coming together as a community to raise awareness, share hope, and support the important message that mental health matters, recovery is possible, and no one should face life’s struggles alone.

Whether you are walking, fundraising, volunteering, cheering others on, or simply showing up in support, you are an important part of this event.

Event Location

The event will take place at the sports field next to the YMCA in Augusta. Please note that the event is not located in the larger Capitol Park directly facing the State House. Signage will be posted to help guide you once you arrive and park.

Event Schedule

9:00 AM-12:00 PM Hope Village is open

Enjoy our family-friendly Hope Village area featuring food and beverages, temporary tattoos, cornhole, and other fun recreational activities.

9:00 AM-10:00 AM Check-in and same-day registration

If you pre-registered, please stop by the check-in table to turn in any fundraising dollars and pick up your event shirt if you reserved one.

Same-day registration will also be available.

10:00 AM-10:15 AM Opening remarks

We will begin with a brief welcome and thank-yous to our sponsors, and a few helpful reminders about the walk route and what to expect when you return to Hope Village.

10:15 AM-11:30 AM Walk begins

Once the walk is underway, participants who finish early are invited to return to Hope Village and enjoy activities while others complete the course.

11:30 AM-12:00 PM Closing celebration

We will wrap up the morning with appreciation for our sponsors, walkers, fundraisers, volunteers, and vendors, along with the announcement of several event awards.

Policies & Rules

Parking

Parking Policy

There is limited first-come, first-served parking in the lots near the YMCA. Street parking is also available along Union Street and Capitol Street near Capitol Park.

Dog Policy

Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome at the walk. If you bring your dog, you are agreeing to keep them properly leashed, under control, and well-behaved at all times. Because the walk takes place on a public trail, please also be aware that other dogs not affiliated with the event may be present.

Restrooms

Portable restrooms will be available on site through Augusta Public Works. Restrooms inside the YMCA are reserved for YMCA members and may be available to the public only at the YMCA’s discretion, so attendees should plan to use the public portable restrooms.

What to Wear

Event shirts will be available for participants who reserved them, with a limited number of extras offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Please dress comfortably for a 5K walk and keep Maine’s spring weather in mind. Mornings can be cool and conditions can change quickly, so layers are a great idea.

Along the Course

This is not a timed race, and we hope you will take your time. Along the route, you will find Hope Markers and Stories of Hope designed to encourage reflection, connection, and conversation. We invite you to pause, take them in, and share photos of the ones that speak to you most. Water stations and volunteers will also be available along the course if you need support.

Event Waiver

All walkers will be asked to review and sign the event waiver before participating in the walk and Hope Village activities.

Download Waiver

Ready to Fundraise?

We encourage every walker to help fundraise on the event platform, GiveButter! Fundraising is a wonderful way to spread the message! If you raise $250, you will also receive your t-shirt, free of cost!

Not Ready or Able to Walk?

You can still be part of Signs of Hope.

If you are unable to join us in person on May 30, or walking is just not your thing, you can still make a meaningful impact by signing up to fundraise and help spread the word.

Become a fundraiser by visiting our GiveButter event page, selecting “Fundraise” and following through on the prompts. You can then ask others to donate to your page. All donations will support this walk!

Collect donations by cash or check and use this form to keep track!

Sponsor the Walk

Supporter Sponsor ($50)
Recognition includes: Name on website and event signage and social media recognition.

Hope Marker Sponsor ($100)
Recognition includes: Name on website and event signage; personalized Hope Marker message, and; social media recognition.

Community Champion Sponsor ($250)
Recognition includes: Logo on website and event signage and social media recognition.

Trail Use Sponsor ($500) (Exclusive)
Recognition includes: Logo on website and event signage; thank you signs at start/finish line with logo, and; social media recognition.

Prize Sponsor ($750) (Exclusive)
Recognition includes: Logo on website and event signage; public recognition during awards ceremony and prize announcements; social media recognition, and; mentioned in pre- and post-event email.

Hope Village Sponsor ($1,250) (Exclusive)
Recognition includes: Premier logo placement on website and event signage; large banner at entry of engagement area; “Welcome to Hope Village presented by [Your Business Name]”; recognition during opening and closing remarks; social media recognition, and; mentioned in pre- and post-event email.

Questions?

Contact our event planning team at (207) 873-2136 x 1035 or email us at engagement@kbhmaine.org with questions.