First Lady Crystal Melton and City of Gary to Hold Back to School Fest at Gary RailCats Stadium on August 10

GARY, IND. - First Lady Crystal Melton, in partnership with the City of Gary and other sponsors, is excited to announce the inaugural citywide Back-to-School Fest. This highly anticipated event will take place at the Gary RailCats Stadium on August 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

“I am delighted to introduce the Back to School Fest to Gary,” stated First Lady of Gary Crystal Melton. “This event is a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together and help our students kick off a successful academic year.”

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 Immunizations: Parents or guardians will be able to bring their children’s current immunization records (if accessible) for on-site immunizations.
• FREE Uniform Vouchers: Gary and Calumet Township students will be eligible for uniform vouchers. Parents or guardians must be present with identification.
• FREE Giveaways: Students will receive backpacks, school supplies, sneakers, gift cards and more. The giveaways will start at 10 a.m. and will continue while supplies last. Please notethat prior registration does not guarantee you will receive an item, so early arrival is strongly encouraged.
• FREE Food: Concession stands inside the Gary RailCats stadium will provide free food from10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
• FREE Resources: Parents and guardians will be able to participate in voter registration, explore after school programs, and participate in a special raffle.
• FREE Fun: Students will be able to participate in games, 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 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Register Below

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gary-back-to-school-fest-tickets-939915972977

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“I want to ensure that every student and parent starts the new school year fully prepared,” stated First Lady Melton. “By centralizing resources for families, we’re making back-to-school preparation hassle-free for both parents and students. I would also like to thank our sponsors of this event. Without them, the Back-to-School Fest wouldn’t be possible. Their unwavering support ensures that our students have the resources they need to thrive.”

The City of Gary’s Back-to-School Fest is made possible by the generous support of these sponsors:

• Geminus Corporation

• The Indiana Department of Child Services Lake County

• Comcast

• Haywood and Fleming Associates

• Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

• Gary Public Transportation Corporation

• Northwest Indiana Health Disparities Council

• Puma

• Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana  

• Brown Skin Coffee Wine and Tea

Parents and guardians should note that prior registration for the Back to School Fest does not guarantee admission to the event. Once the event reaches capacity, additional attendees will not be allowed entry. Early arrival is strongly recommended to ensure admittance and participation. Resources, including supplies, will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Please note that students must be accompanied by an adult or legal guardian and present to receive any resources and supplies.

For more information, visit GarySchoolFest2024.eventbrite.com or contact First Lady Crystal Melton at firstladyofgary24@gmail.com

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Media Contact:

Erika Blackwell, Chief Communications Officer, City of Gary
cell: (219) 292-1251
em: eblackwell@gary.gov

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