Nearly 1,400 people gathered at the Lakehills Community Center this weekend as Hill Country Samaritans and Bandera ISD hosted the annual Back to School Bash, providing school supplies, free health services and family activities ahead of the start of the new school year.
The event served approximately 700 students, each receiving a backpack filled with school supplies to help prepare for the first day of classes.
More than 100 volunteers spent weeks organizing donations, packing backpacks and preparing activities before welcoming families from across Bandera County.
In addition to school supplies, families had access to several free services designed to help students get ready for the school year.
The Lions Club provided vision screenings, while Lakehills Baptist Church funded free school physicals.
Four local hairstylists volunteered their time to provide complimentary haircuts throughout the event.
Organizers also offered food and refreshments for attendees.
Volunteers distributed more than 1,500 bottles of water, served 500 hot dogs, 200 sausage-on-a-stick and 100 ears of corn.
Popcorn, cotton candy and snow cones were also available.
Entertainment and children's activities filled the community center grounds throughout the day.
Families visited the Happy Tails Petting Zoo, enjoyed face painting, carnival games, a cupcake walk, Wild Wild West games and an 'On the Farm' obstacle course.
A bounce house also remained busy as children waited for school supplies and visited community booths.
The Bandera High School drumline, cheerleaders and Star Steppers welcomed attendees and performed during the event, while live music added to the festive atmosphere. Participants also had opportunities to win prizes throughout the day.
Organizers said the annual event is made possible through the support of volunteers, donors, churches, civic organizations and community partners who work together to ensure local students begin the school year with the supplies and resources they need.
'This is truly a community celebration,' organizers said. 'It is our joy to provide a platform where neighbors can show kindness and build relationships across the county.'
Scenes from the annual Back to School Bash at the Lakehills Community Center included students receiving backpacks filled with school supplies, families enjoying lunch provided by volunteers, and children taking part in activities such as the popular cupcake walk. The event, hosted by Hill Country Samaritans and Bandera ISD, drew nearly 1,400 attendees and served about 700 students ahead of the new school year. COURTESY PHOTOS
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