Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Mayors Back To School Fair topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mayor Johnson, partners announce 29th annual Mayor’s Back to School Fair on Aug. 1 at Fair Park
Summary
Mayor Eric L. Johnson and partners said the 29th annual Mayor’s Back to School Fair will be Friday, Aug. 1 at Fair Park with free supplies, immunizations, haircuts, dental and vision services and more than 100 community vendors; registration opens at mayorsbacktoschoolfair.com.
Mayor Eric L. Johnson on Friday announced the 29th annual Mayor’s Back to School Fair will be held Friday, Aug. 1 at Fair Park, offering free school supplies, immunizations, haircuts, dental screenings, vision exams and access to more than 100 vendors to help Dallas students start the school year ready to learn.
"This is one of my favorite events that we do all year long here at the city," Johnson said, thanking long-time and new sponsors for supporting what he described as a "one-stop shop" for families. He said the fair helps take "some of the weight off the shoulders of parents in our city who are already stretched too thin." Registration opens at mayorsbacktoschoolfair.com.
Speakers at a mayoral press conference credited volunteers and community partners for the event’s growth. Tandra Allen, president of the Junior League of Dallas, said the league has helped streamline registration and recruit "over 500 volunteers" to staff the fair’s operations and community outreach. "Our work here today connects directly to our mission of the Junior League," Allen said.
Dr. Mark Ramirez, associate superintendent with Dallas ISD, said the district has increased enrollment since the COVID-19 pandemic and called the fair a practical way to prepare students for the school year. "When our students feel prepared, supported, and valued, they are empowered to reach higher," Ramirez said.
Corporate and philanthropic sponsors described their contributions and reasons for participating. Dylan Bramhall, chief financial officer of Energy Transfer, said the company is proud to partner locally; Kimberly Smith, speaking for Atmos Energy, noted the company’s community programs and said Atmos invests "nearly $2,000,000,000 annually to modernize our infrastructure." Glyn Maddox of Charter Spectrum said the company is investing "$1,300,000,000 upgrading our network in Texas" this year. Amy Lee, executive director of the Ryan Foundation, said the foundation has provided "more than $10,000,000 of grants" for education and community work.
Other partners named by speakers included Amazon, Hillwood, Encore, Target, Sewell, the State Fair of Texas, TXU Energy, DART, Texas A&M Office for Youth Engagement, NBC 5, Telemundo 39, Oak Farms Dairy, Sanofi and AAA Texas and New Mexico. Stephanie Burns of Texas A&M highlighted a program called Level Up Texas, which she said helps students imagine postsecondary and career paths.
Organizers said all services at the fair are free to qualifying families. The press conference closed with brief remarks from city staff and partners and a photo session. The mayor’s office and partners asked families and volunteers to register online and to attend the fair on Aug. 1 at Fair Park.
