With the school year right around the bend, citizens of Carter County are invited for a Back-2-School Bash set for Citizens Bank Stadium this weekend.
The inaugural event, sponsored by the Elizabethton City Schools, will take place on the Elizabethton High School campus on Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with various activities to the public.
An estimated 800-plus backpacks will be available for students of city schools, while the rest of the county is invited to take part in a host of activities taking place during the event.
The Elizabethton City Schools Board of Education recently approved a resolution to purchase backs from IDS/Blusource at their recent Board of Education on Tuesday, July 19.
ECS Superintendent Dr. Corey Gardenhour told BOE members that donations received by the school system would be used to offset the cost, estimated at over $18,000, for the backpacks. At the time of the BOE, Gardenhour stated the event had already raised over $13,000 as of that meeting.
We still have people coming each day,” he said We’re so appreciative of the support by the city, churches, businesses, and individuals that are helping with the event.”
The event will feature free inflatables, lunch and live music throughout the day. Other activities offered during the day include free haircuts and trimming and the opportunity to schedule appointments with the Carter County Health Department for immunizations, as well as wellness checkups and eye exams.
According to a press release issued by the ECS, different local sponsors are taking part in the event, including East River Park Baptist Church, Calvary Baptist Church, Southside Christian Church, Immanuel Baptist Church, Tetrick Funeral Home, WBEJ, Carter County Health Department, Elizabethton Police Department, Elizabethton Star, West Side Christian Church, Champion Chevrolet, Highlands Fellowship, Carter County Bank, Valley Forge Freewill Baptist Church, Central Community Church, Elizabethton Federal, Ingles, First Christian Church, Dr. Robert Sams, Alexander Insurance Agency, Oak Street Baptist Church, Family Eye Care Center, Faith Sunday School Class, Andrew McKeehan, and many more.
The overall total for sponsors is over 50, according to the ECS.
“We have nearly 50 sponsors and partners and it has been really a grand show of community support for these students,” the system to the Elizabethton Star. “We are extremely grateful to all the supporters, whether they donated monetarily or are bringing resources to the event. We couldn’t have done it without them.