Students will receive free giveaways, haircuts, immunizations, and more.
Gary, IND. - Gary, IND. – The City of Gary and First Lady Crystal Melton invites Lake County residents to attend the second annual Back-to-School Fest on Saturday, August 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Gary RailCats Stadium.
“I am proud to host our second annual Back to School Fest,” said First Lady Crystal Melton. “This event reflects our continued commitment to supporting students and families throughout the City of Gary. By providing essential resources and services, we want to ensure that every child is equipped to start the school year with confidence and success.”
The Back-to-School Fest aims to equip students for the upcoming school year by offering a diverse range of free services and resources. Highlights include:
- FREE Haircuts: Students will receive free haircuts. Parental consent is required, and students’ hair must be clean for this service.
- FREE Barber/Stylist Vouchers: Students can receive vouchers for a free haircut or basic styling from participating local barbers and stylists.
- FREE Immunizations: Parents or guardians will be able to bring their children’s current immunization records (if accessible) for on-site immunizations.
- FREE Giveaways: Students will receive backpacks, school supplies, sneakers gift cards and more. Early arrival is strongly encouraged.
- FREE Food: Food vouchers will be given out for food trucks outside of the stadium.
- FREE Resources: Parents and guardians will be able to participate in voter registration, explore after school programs, and participate in special raffles.
- FREE Fun: Students will be able to participate in nail painting, face painting, and listen to music presented by DJ All Owt.
- FREE Transportation: The Gary Public Transportation Corporation (GPTC) will offer free rides to the stadium for students and their parents/guardians attending the Back-to-School Fest from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The City of Gary’s Back-to-School Fest is made possible by the generous support of these sponsors:
- Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana
- Purdue University Northwest
- Gary Public Transportation Corporation
- Northwest Indiana Health Disparities Council
- Unlimited University Tax Preparation School
Early arrival is highly encouraged to ensure entry and participation. All resources, including school supplies, will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Please note: Students must be present and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to receive supplies. A valid Lake County ID is required.
