By Tomas Kassahun | Reporter
Thousands of children and their families came together on Saturday, Aug. 5 at Sierra Vista Mall in Clovis hoping to snag free school supplies while participating in fun activities.
It was all part of the second annual Back to School Bash, sponsored by the Clovis Police Department, Sonitrol Security Systems and Clovis Kiwanis.
“I think it’s great for the community, especially for parents,” said Jessica Mendoza, who was waiting in line to get school supplies for her daughter. “It really helps out because we have to get school supplies and everything. I have one daughter. I’m a single parent, so this definitely helps.”
Despite the high temperature and the long line, parents were not deterred from attending the event.
“I didn’t know the line was going to be this big,” said Andrew Hernandez. “We’re going to try to stick it out to the end.”
In addition to receiving backpacks and other school supplies, the students participated in face paintings and other fun activities.
“It’s nice to be out here with a lot of people for the same reason. My kids want to see the reptiles. They’re excited about all of it,” said Kory Mayer. “They want to do the face painting and whatever free supplies they get.”
Mayer was worried that her kids won’t be able to get everything, but she said it would be worth it as long as they have fun with the activities.
Other attendees also came to the event looking forward to all the fun activities.
“Hopefully my grandson will have some fun and will get some backpacks that he needs,” said June Saldade. “It’s really awesome that Clovis is doing this. I hear there are a lot of sponsors. I’m very impressed actually.”
“I’m glad they had something like this for the community,” said Sheri Green. “I’m here for my kids, mostly for the festivities. There aren’t too many places that you can go and find hundreds of kids in one spot.”