New supplies and haircuts and backpacks, oh, my!

By Brynn Bagot

Mayor Eric L. Johnson, Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) Superintendent Dr. Stephanie S. Elizalde and Junior League of Dallas President Christina N. Eubanks welcomed thousands of students to the 27th Annual Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair on Friday, Aug. 4. The fair was located in Fair Park and featured more than 150 vendors inside the Automobile Building and Centennial Hall.

Hosted by Mayor Johnson, the fair is a collaborative effort between the City of Dallas, Dallas ISD, the Junior League of Dallas, nonprofits, corporations and community volunteers. Each year, it serves more than 10,000 economically disadvantaged students in grade levels pre-K to 12 and their families. It serves as a one-stop shop for Dallas ISD students and their families to receive school supplies, valuable services and community resources. Attendees have access to immunizations, dental screenings, vision exams and other health and social services provided by local businesses, organizations and agencies. This year’s fair was powered by more than 20 sponsors, 150 vendors, and 500 community volunteers.

To kick off the opening ceremony, K104 DJ Mr. HitDat had the audience playing games to win prizes, followed by an upbeat performance by the Samuell High School Drumline. WFAA-TV Daybreak Host Marc Istook then took the stage to welcome the thousands of students and family members who had been lined up since sunrise to be among the first to enter the fair. 

Istook introduced Mayor Johnson who, as a Dallas ISD alumnus himself, shared his love for the annual Mayor’s Back to School Fair and its importance to families who need supplies and other services to start the school year off right. 

“This family-friendly fair has become a beloved annual tradition here in Dallas before the start of each new school year — and for good reason,” Mayor Johnson said. “Each year, because of the generosity of the Dallas community, we equip thousands of Dallas students in grade levels pre-K through 12 with the back-to-school essentials that they need to succeed in the classroom. And this year, I am proud to announce that we will provide school supplies to more Dallas students than in any previous year of this event’s 27-year history. This event is incredibly meaningful to me, personally, as someone who grew up in underserved communities in West Dallas and Oak Cliff. And I’ve heard from other Dallas residents who feel the same way.

“Time and time again, I am reminded that Dallas is strong because our people are strong,” Mayor Johnson said. “And the Dallas community’s overwhelming support of this event is further proof.”

At the conclusion of the ceremony, students and family members queued into Centennial Hall to check in and circulate through the more than 150 vendor booths lining both Centennial Hall and the Automobile Building. In addition to health screenings and school supplies, children had the opportunity for a free haircut allowing them to look and feel their best on the first day of school.

For more information, visit mayorsbacktoschoolfair.com.