WASHINGTON — On Saturday morning, thousands of Prince George’s County students lined up for free backpacks and school supplies for that all-important first day of school. Public school students in Prince George’s head back to the classroom on Tuesday, Aug. 25. To prepare, Prince George’s County Public Schools hosted its fifth back-to-school fair, held at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. School leaders said they hoped the event would get students excited about the new school year by making sure students had what they needed on day one.
People lining up and entering entering Show Place Arena for Back-to-school fair in Prince George’s Co. @WTOP pic.twitter.com/3474fhseE2
— Kathy Stewart (@KStewartWTOP) August 8, 2015
More than 400 local businesses, county agencies and each of the county’s public schools were represented with tables and exhibits. Visitors got to learn about what each school had to offer and what resources would be available to students and families. Among the estimated 5,000 attendees was Juanita Avenc, a mom from Oxen Hill who attended with her 7- and 8-year-old daughters and her 10-year-old son. She said they got up extra early to beat the crowd. “We love it, we love it,” said Avenc. “We can come out enjoy ourselves, go to the different vendors, learn new stuff and I love it every year.” In addition to the thousands of free backpacks filled with school supplies, free immunizations also were offered.
5th annualGeorge’s County Public Schools back-to-school fair about to start.@wtop pic.twitter.com/ZV14MyXIyU — Kathy Stewart (@KStewartWTOP) August 8, 2015