Most kids in the Southland have packed up their backpacks and headed back to school.
In Frankfort, that means it was time for the sixth annual Back to School Bash, which the Frankfort Park District hosted Friday at Commissioners Park, 22108 S. 80th Ave.
“I started this event in 2010 as a fun way to end the summer and get the kids ready for school,” park district special events coordinator Cali DeBella said.
Parents agreed that it was fun.
“This is really a great way to have fun on such a nice day,” said Valerie Williams, of Frankfort.
“The kids get to get out and socialize, and it’s a way for them to celebrate entering into a new school year,” said Brittany Domzal, of New Lenox.
The event has grown in popularity since its inception, averaging 250 attendees in 2014 and this year, according to DeBella.
The evening consisted of field and carnival games, a visit by the B96 Street Team, a Lego Bricks 4 Kidz craft area, musical instruments by Down Home Guitars, inflatables, a touch-a-truck area, concessions and play time at Fort Frankfort and in the splash park.
Kids seemed to be enjoying practicing with musical instruments and working with instructors from Down Home Guitars. Caleb Bonds, 4, of Frankfort, was learning how to hold and play the violin just like his big sister, Nadiera, 7.
“He sees his sister play the violin at home and he already has a passion for music,” said Caleb’s father, Brian Bonds. “He’s just testing it out today but he eventually wants to play an instrument of his own, too.”
Bonds was among many kids who found the fest to be fun and interactive.
“This is very cool,” Valentina D’Avola, 3, of New Lenox, said while working at the Bricks 4 Kids area.
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A wide array of activities is what DeBella prides herself on at the back-to-school event.
“We have a lot of activities for the kids to do and it’s a fun night at the park,” DeBella said. “The kids can celebrate with kid-friendly vendors throughout the evening. Also, we collect school supplies that we donate to the Frankfort Area Jaycees for their annual school drive.”
Children who attended were asked to bring a school supply to donate to the drive. The school supplies were to be given to children in need in the Frankfort community.
Classes started Wednesday in Frankfort School District 157C.
Kelly White is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.