ROCKVILLE, Md. — Summer is quickly becoming a fading memory. It’s back to school time. To help get kids ready, Montgomery County welcomed parents and students to its annual Back to School Fair.

The fair was held in sprawling parking lot of the county’s school system’s headquarters off Hungerford Drive. Beneath more than 50 colorful tents, students picked up a few school supplies, some received their necessary vaccinations and other health checks, and parents could avail themselves of information about a wide array of county resources.

“For the new children that are coming to school for the first time … getting their pencils and rulers and all the things like that–just getting them in a mindset for school–it’s a great opportunity,” says Craig Rice, Montgomery County councilman and chairman of the council’s education committee.

Costumed characters posed for pictures with school children. The fair also featured music and performances including break dancers. Kids could also climb aboard a school bus, check it out and even honk the horn.

Montgomery County Public School classes resume Monday.