With a decade of service under their belts, representatives with Back to School Ministries are preparing to make this year’s celebration one for the ages.

In preparation for the July community event and backpack distribution, the ministry is hosting a fish fry on Saturday, May 5, from noon to 6 p.m. at Hampton High School.

Brandon Young, pastor of Harmony Free Will Baptist Church, mentioned the idea came from a recent successful fish fry at Cloudland High School.

“Donna Grindstaff (from North Carolina) held an event for Cloudland and it went over very well,” Young told the Elizabethton Star. “We were able to work together and she’ll be providing the food for the fish fry. We’re excited to have her support for this project and we’re encouraging the public to come out for some great food.”

Patrons will be able to choose from two different types of main dishes — flounder/shrimp or chicken tenders — and the meals come with a baked potato or french fries, homemade coleslaw, hush puppies and a drink. A full plate is $12 and a half plate is $6. Desserts will also be available during the event.

Tickets will be available at the door and will go directly to support this year’s Back to School Bash, set for Saturday, July 28, at Harmony Free Will Baptist with a 10 a.m. start time.

“We’re looking to go all out with this year’s event with it being our 10th anniversary,” Young said. “Our number one goal is to bring the community together to highlight Christ. We also want to provide opportunities for children in our community to make sure they have a nice start to the upcoming school year.”

Young added Back to School Ministries will be offering clear backpacks with colored trim to accommodate the recent measure passed by the Carter County Board of Education. School supplies and other items will also be presented to children.

To learn more about the ministry visit www.harmonychurch.org/back-2-school-bash or contact Young at (423) 957-0298. Various fundraisers are planned prior to July’s event and the public can also make monetary donations to assist with costs.