As families get ready to send kids back to school, a neighborhood in Dallas is hosting a party this weekend to help them plan. The Midtown Improvement District will hold its back to school fair Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm at Vickery Park Library.
This year's event will focus on STEM careers and robotics. Organizer Shannon Freeman says the organization, Technicbots, will put on displays to help kids learn about the different careers in the field.
"They'll introduce them to the many different factors in robotics," Freeman says. "I'm actually really excited about that because I've never seen that myself before."
She says sparking interest in kids at a young age can give them a chance to try different aspects of the field and learn what they might enjoy as a career. Freeman says kids can also learn about trades that pay well and the level of education they need.
"Some of these fields need to be filled immediately," she says. "We want to introduce children so they can see all the options moving forward into secondary and post-secondary school."
Families can also receive backpacks and school supplies donated by Costco. Half-Price Books will give free books, and the Shops at Park Lane has donated gift cards so families can buy clothes.
"We want to make sure we're signing the light on the positive impact we can surround you with," Freeman says.
Freeman says four Dallas ISD schools are within a mile of the library, so she says the fair can give kids confidence they will walk into class with supplies they need.
As the area grows, she says DART will have information about options to get around, and businesses nearby will talk about jobs they are trying to fill. Dallas Police will also play games with kids.
"We often see the police in a negative light. It's not often we get a positive light to shed on them," Freeman says. "We have Jenga, cornhole and a couple other yard games the kids can play with the police. You get to see them in a more relaxed fashion."
Two restaurants in Midtown will also serve free food. The Midtown Dallas Back to School Fair runs 10 am to 1 pm Saturday outside Vickery Park Branch Library at 8383 Park Lane.