Resources that will be available at the Back to School Bash include free backpacks, socks, groceries and hygiene kits, as well as immunizations and a free lunch.
Activities for kids will include a nine square court, SWAT and fire trucks and STEM and art zones. There will also be door prizes awarded by random draw — including, among other things, several giant stuffed fish from Bass Pro.
For parents, there will be a space to fill out a free and reduced lunch application, a hiring fair and more than 50 community organizations and SPS departments sharing information about their services.
The Back to School Bash runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Expo Center. Lunch is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Free parking is available for attendees at the Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center Parking Garage down the street. More information on the SPS website.