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WINSTON-SALEM — Shmedfest, a family-friendly weekend of fitness events and a community concert benefitting Crisis Control Ministry, will be held from 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds.

Now in its 17th year, the event has had to be split up into two days to accommodate its exponential growth over the past few years. The founders, Steve and Tonya Cavanaugh, originally hosted the event in their backyard inviting friends and family. As the event grew in popularity, a larger venue was required. With the addition of new events, it now encompasses two days. This year’s event will include the inaugural Shmedfest 5K and Fun Run. Runners who sign up for the 5K will receive a free swag bag. In addition, this year will reprise the 24-hour fundraising fitness challenge known as “The Shmed,” hosted by fitness groups F3 and FiA of Winston-Salem. Participants can sign up for any of the four 45-minute workout sessions over the 24-hour period, including family-friendly bootcamps and a yoga session. The 5,000-rep challenge will also be returning with prizes for the winners. Those who participate in the Fun Run, 5K, or a session of The Shmed can also sign up to receive an exclusive Shmedfest 2021 T-shirt.

Afterwards, a community concert will be held Saturday evening beginning at 4 p.m. Live music will be provided by three different local bands: the Downtown Band, the Pharaoh Sisters, and Gypsy Soul. Dinner will be available for purchase from local food trucks, Pacific Rim, Soul to Bowl, and Good Vibes. Beverages will be provided by Pepsi. Additionally, beer will be courtesy of Foothills Brewery. Wine, margaritas, and ice cream will be courtesy of the Carolina Thunderbirds Concessions at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds.

“Shmedfest has grown bigger and bigger over the years, and this year is no exception,” said Margaret Elliott, executive director of Crisis Control Ministry. “An event like this wouldn’t be possible without the support of all of the local groups, businesses, artists, and organizations who are dedicated to giving back to our community.”

To register for Shmedfest, go to tinyurl.com/shmed2021. The 5K and Fun Run have a registration fee of $35 and $10, respectively. T-shirts are an additional $10 per shirt. The Shmed workout sessions as well as the community concert are free and donations are encouraged. You can donate online at www.crisiscontrol.org.