Washington County residents are buzzing about an exciting upcoming event aimed at helping children get ready for the new school year. This sense of community spirit with Washington County's second annual Back-2-School event, set to take place August 22 at Richard Walton Park in Oakdale from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
This event, organized by dedicated county workers including CeCe Chapman, promises to be even bigger and better than last year. Event Highlights include:
- Free Backpacks and School Supplies: Ensuring every child has the essentials for a successful school year.
- Free Haircuts: Provided by Clean Cuts Barbershop, helping kids look their best.
- Free Vaccinations: Medical professionals will be on-site to administer vaccinations.
- Entertainment: A DJ, face painting, food, and more activities for families to enjoy.
Seiquayia Chapman, who played a pivotal role in organizing the event, shared her motivation behind the second annual event. "In Oakdale, resources are scarce, and I wanted something in my own backyard,” she said. “Seeing similar events in Ramsey County inspired me to bring this to our community, especially for those who look like me,” Chapman added.
The event is a collaborative effort with community partners, including Valley Outreach and the Workforce Center, highlighting small businesses and organizations committed to giving back. It is also supported by the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership and the Minnesota Department of Health.
"We handpicked our vendors to not only provide resources, but also to uplift their businesses," Chapman said. Last year’s event saw 350 attendees, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive,” said Seiquayia.
"We've never seen Washington County come out and put on such a successful community event," one committee member remarked. Chapman believes the event significantly impacts the community by providing necessary supplies to families who might struggle to afford them.
"It helps families get a jump start on the school year, setting their kids on a good path." As anticipation builds for the upcoming event, the community's excitement is palpable. "I was at the Washington County Fair, and everyone couldn't stop talking about it," one local resident shared.
Mark your calendars for August 22nd and join the community in celebrating and supporting our students at Richard Walton Park. This event promises to be a memorable and impactful way to kick off the new school year. For more information, follow updates on social media and share in the Washington County community spirit.