2012 Mayor’s Back To School Fair

A one-stop shop for all the back-to-school basics, the 16th annual Mayor’s Back To School Fair presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club will take place Thursday, August 2, from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Automobile and Centennial buildings at Fair Park.

From free school supplies for Dallas schoolchildren (who meet specific eligibility requirements), to free health, dental and vision screenings, immunizations and haircuts, to the latest information on education, health and social services, the Fair offers parents and children everything they need for the first day of school. The Fair’s fun and upbeat setting comes complete with entertainment from creative learning nonprofit Big Thought, high school bands and multicultural groups, plus plenty of kids activities, games, interactive demos and more to keep all ages engaged. As part of the Mayor’s Youth Fitness Initiative (a.k.a. “MyFi”), kids also will be able to enjoy fun activities that promote good eating habits and fitness.

Walmart will conduct free vision screenings and offer general health screenings, including blood pressure and glucose checks for all family members. The Baylor School of Dentistry and All Smiles Dental and Orthodontics together will provide free dental screenings, fluoride applications, free toothbrushes and toothpaste to students, and offer free oral health information. Dallas County Health & Human Services will provide free immunizations. Essilor Vision Foundation will provide free eyeglasses to children who qualify on a first come, first served basis. And Cedric B’s Barber and Beauty Salon and Ogle School of Hair, Skin and Nails will offer free haircuts so children will look sharp the first day of school.

In addition, Half Price Books will donate more than 7,000 books. MetroPCS will give away more than 7,000 backpacks. North Texas Food Bank, in partnership with Walmart, will give away 50,000 apples.

Educational information and services, in English and Spanish, will be offered at hundreds of community resource booths on crime prevention, fire safety, college readiness, housing, transportation, personal finances, health, nutrition and literacy. Dallas ISD will provide information on magnet schools, scholarship and alternative programs, psychological and social services, parenting, and family literacy.

Families who qualify for free school supplies are strongly encouraged to PRE-REGISTER to allow more time to take advantage of the many services and activities offered at the Fair. The deadline to pre-register is Saturday, July 28. See a list of upcoming pre-registration events.

July 24 - Bataan Center

July 27, 30 - Cobb Field