A fun-filled day is in store this weekend at the 10th Annual Back To School Bash hosted by Harmony Freewill Baptist Church.

The event will take place at the church from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday. Those attending are asked to park at Hampton High School and shuttle service will be provided to and from the church by the Carter County School System’s Transportation Department. The parking lot at the school will be open for attendees to begin parking at 8 a.m.

“We do have a handicap accessible bus that is running as well,” said Shannon Posada, one of the event coordinators for the Bash.

All children from headstart age through high school will receive a free backpack and school supplies as long as they are available. Posada said the church has around 1,500 backpacks to hand out. In order to receive a backpack, each child must be present and accompanied by a parent or guardian.

“Most of the ones we have are clear,” Posada said, adding they will comply with the Carter County School System’s new policy regarding backpacks. There are some backpacks available which are not clear for those students attending schools that do not require clear backpacks.

When families arrive for the event, they will sign in and then watch a short skit inside the church before heading out to the games, food, and activities.

“The skit inside is amazing. They are going to love it,” Posada said. “The theme is ‘Christmas In July.’”

In addition to the backpacks and school supplies, Posada said the church will have shoes, socks, underwear, and clothing available for free to children who need those items.

Harmony Freewill Baptist Church Pastor Brandon Young said the church grounds will be set up similar to fairgrounds with inflatables, games, water wars, and food for everyone. Food items will include corn dogs, cotton candy, and funnel cakes.

“Everything is free,” Young said.

Both Posada and Young said families are invited to stay at the event as long as they would like.

“There are tons of games, prizes, and entertainment for them,” Posada said. “We look forward to a fun-filled day.”

In addition to the games and activities, Posada said attendees will get the chance to meet some of their favorite Disney characters and superheroes during the event as well.

This is the 10th year Harmony Freewill Baptist Church has hosted the event. The Back To School Bash is a significant undertaking, and Young said it takes a lot of people helping to make it a success each year.

“It takes a little over $20,000 each year to do it,” Young said.

While Harmony Freewill Baptist Church hosts the event, several other local churches, vendors, and donors all contribute to the Bash.

“We want to give a special thank you to the Carter County School System and all of the local churches, vendors, and people who have donated to help with the Back To School Bash,” Posada said.

While many people think of the event as a way to ensure children have school supplies, Posada said it is about more than that.

“It’s more than just a backpack. It’s about that child,” she said. “They don’t have to worry about being hungry for a day because they can eat all they want to here. They don’t have to worry about what’s going on at home. They can enjoy themselves and have a good time.”

“It’s all to help them feel good about starting a new school year,” she added.