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The Calumet Park Neighborhood Association is hosting its Back-to-School Party and Resource Fair in the park on Saturday to provide school supplies and other resources for the upcoming school year.

The annual back-to-school fair is making its post-pandemic return for 2023.

“We haven’t done it since the pandemic, but we will be continuing to do it going forward every year,” said Lee Jones, board chair for the Calumet Park Neighborhood Association.

The goal of the event is to assist families as they prepare to return to school by providing basic school supplies and social services offered by community agencies.

Jones said the event will feature about 32 community partners and sponsors.

Along with the free school supplies, on-site health screenings will be available. Free COVID-19 vaccinations will also be available to those who would like them. The vaccines are provided by CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort)

While the aim is to help get kids ready for school, it will also be a fun family-friendly event with activities, music and more.

Jones said they plan to have a DJ and motivational speakers as well. Food will be available to purchase from Rhodes Sports Bar, which will have a food truck at the park.

“The Jungle Bus will also be there,” Jones said. “We’re going to be giving away some books to the kids that attend.”

Jones said they want people to come out and have fun and get ready for the school year. Event organizers will continue to accept school supply donations until Friday.

The event starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5 at Calumet Park on Union Street in LaGrange.

All school supplies will be provided first come, first served, so don’t delay. Saturday is expected to be another scorcher, but if inclement weather occurs, the outdoor event will be rescheduled.

“We’re not anticipating bad weather. But if there is bad weather, we’ll postpone it,” Jones said.