Mayor’s Fair launches students into success

Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) Superintendent Dr. Stephanie S. Elizalde and Junior League of Dallas President Dr. Lindsay Davis welcomed thousands of students to the 29th Annual Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair on Friday, Aug. 1. The fair was in Fair Park and featured more than 180 vendors inside the Automobile Building and Centennial Hall. 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. Students and family members queued into Centennial Hall to check in and circulate through the more than 180 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. — Anna Clare Payne