Bash: Volunteers can apply to help with event
The Back to School Bash gives students the opportunity to enjoy a festival atmosphere, get school supplies and get a great haircut before school begins.
In the words of one little girl who attended last year, the Bash is the “best day ever. I’ve got my hair done, I’ve got my school supplies, and I’ve got a snow cone. It doesn’t get better than this,” Fannin School System Social Worker Tara Cantrell said.
The Bash began in 2022 when local hairstylist Celeste Jay felt a prompting from God to use her skills to help the children of Fannin County, she said.
That prompting created the idea for a back-to-school haircut event.
“It has snowballed into way more than that,” Fannin School System Licensed Clinical Social Worker Sheena Rymer said.
Today, the event is a mix between a festival and chance to prepare for school.
The Back to School Bash will take place at Fannin County High School’s new gym on July 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event doesn’t require a pre-event sign up.
All students from pre-K to twelfth grade are welcome.
The event will include immunizations, sports physicals, balloon animals, inflatable bouncy houses, face painting, food, a raffle, books, school supplies, lunch and haircuts. All these things are free.
The Fannin Children’s Fund sponsors the event, with help from local businesses and the Fannin County School System.
This year, Rymer said she expects 800 kids to show up at the event.
“God definitely has blessed it every year,” Jay said.
The team of barbers helping run the event provides kids with custom styles.
“A haircut seems so small, but for many kids going back to school, that’s a big deal,” Rymer said.
Celebrating its fourth anniversary this year, the Bash has become a back-to-school tradition for Fannin County students and families.
Those interested in volunteering to help with the event can call organizers at 706-455-1434 or 706-633-3123.