Free event to provide school supplies for nearly 15,000 qualifying Dallas schoolchildren, plus immunizations, vision and dental screenings, haircuts, information, kids activities, entertainment and more.
 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.
16th annual Mayor’s Back To School Fair presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club
Focusing on helping students with many of their school-related needs, the Mayor’s Back To School Fair is a collaborative effort between the City of Dallas, Dallas area schools, public health departments, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, corporations and hundreds of volunteers.
The Mayor’s Back To School Fair is FREE and open to the public. Parking is also FREE, or visitors can take the DART Rail Green Line to the Fair Park or MLK, Jr. station. Fair Park is located at 1300 Robert B. Cullum Blvd., Dallas, TX 75210.
For more information, call the City of Dallas information line at 311 or go to mayorsbacktoschoolfair.com for details in English and Spanish.
FREE School Supplies and Much More!
Many parents can agree that when it comes to prepping their children for the first day of school, the costs can quickly add up. That’s why so many community supporters continue to come together every year to help students and families with all their school-related needs at the Mayor’s Back To School Fair.
From free school supplies for Dallas school children (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 multi-cultural 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. “MyFiâ€), kids also will be able to enjoy fun activities that promote good eating habits and fitness.
“The Mayor’s Back To School Fair is an event designed to help Dallas families prepare for the first day of school by offering all kinds of free services and educational and community resources as well as free school supplies,†said Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings. “We truly appreciate the willingness of donors, nonprofit partners, schools, media sponsors and volunteers who work so hard and step up every year to support students and education in Dallas.â€
Free Health Screenings
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
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 now to allow more time to take advantage of the many services and activities offered at the Fair.Go to mayorsbacktoschoolfair.com.
IMPORTANT: Although the Fair’s array of activities and services are free and open to the public, free school supplies are available ONLY to those who meet specific eligibility requirements (must be public school students pre-K through 12th grades who reside in the City of Dallas or attend a Dallas ISD school and meet the 2012 Federal Poverty Income Guidelines). A PHOTO ID, PROOF OF RESIDENCY AND PROOF OF INCOME ARE REQUIRED TO QUALIFY.
Picture ID includes state driver’s license, state identification card, military identification card, or foreign consulate-issued identification (i.e. Matricula Consular). City of Dallas proof of residency includes May, June, July or August 2012 utility bill (electricity, water, phone or gas) showing applicant name and current address or letter from landlord or apartment management company, on company letterhead, indicating proof of residency during May, June, July or August 2012. Proof of Income may be verified using paycheck stubs from May, June, July or August 2012 or a letter dated in May, June, July or August 2012 on agency or company letterhead from an employer, welfare office, caseworker, or Social Security Administration Office indicating annual income and signed by an agent of the company or agency. Letter must include contact phone number for verification. Other qualifying documents include a Medicaid letter, Lone Star Program Card and a Dallas ISD letter indicating qualification for free lunch program.
