Honoring fathers, building community and enjoying free fun with loved ones are at the heart of Family Fun Day set for Saturday, Oct. 29 on St. Thomas.

The events are part of the territory's celebration of Family Awareness Month, which has a special focus on fathers and male figures this year, V.I. Health and Human Services Department spokeswoman Monife Stout said.

“We're trying to get fathers to be more involved in their family, and to take a much more proactive approach to raising their children,” Stout said.

To that end, father figures and their families are invited to meet at Fort Christian at 9 a.m. for the Families March. A motorcycle motorcade will escort the marchers to Emile Griffith Park, where “back-to-back” activities will await, Stout said.

Families can check out the motorcycles, watch the University of the Virgin Islands Bucks face off against the V.I. Government basketball team, or inspect Volkswagen Bug aficionados' lovingly maintained vintage cars.

The UVI Brothers with a Cause group will be on hand, and Dr. Carl Whitaker and a prostate cancer survivor will speak about how early screenings can help men beat the disease. The Top Notch band will also perform, and there will be bouncy games and a magic show for kids.

The day will end with the bikers, Bug drivers and other motorists traveling together along the waterfront, up Raphune Hill, and into Red Hook around 4 p.m. in a final celebration of family fun, Stout said.