Dallas hosts annual Mayor's Back to School Fair

DALLAS - The Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair marks 20 years today.

Around 40,000 parents and students are expected to line up throughout the morning at Fair Park for free school supplies, health screenings and immunizations.

People started arriving around 3 a.m. with the hope of being at the front of the line and avoiding the heat. Before the doors opened at 8 a.m. they had some fun with local mascots, cheerleaders and even danced with Mayor Mike Rawlings.

“This is the most fun I get to be with kids. I have to be with adults most of the time, you know. So getting out and being a kid is fun every once and a while,” he said. “I didn’t know this was nae nae and this was whip, so I got it now.”

Rawlings said education is a critical part of Dallas as a city.

“We’re making progress at DISD. The last couple of years have been very good. This is a chance for the community to help kids that are at the poverty level and below. It costs hundreds of dollars to get a kid ready for school. They come here and we do it for free,” he said.

Rawlings said a combination of corporate sponsors and donors, non-profit organizations, public health departments, state agencies and hundreds of volunteers helped the city and school district put on the event.

Although pre-registration is closed, walkups are welcome until 2 p.m. Families can register at the fair to receive free school supplies if they qualify.

For more information, visit www.mayorsbacktoschoolfair.com.