The City of Dunkirk annual Back to School Bash will take place Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Point Gratiot Park in Dunkirk for all Dunkirk City School District students. The rain date will be the following day if needed.

The City of Dunkirk, Dunkirk City School District and United Way of Chautauqua County are proud to present this year’s Back To School Bash on Monday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the main pavilion in Point Gratiot Park.

Bookbags with school supplies will be given to the Dunkirk students who check in that afternoon while supplies last.

The free community event for Dunkirk City School District students and families is sponsored by Personal Touch Food Service, Wells Enterprises, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Southern Chautauqua Federal Credit Union, Cattaraugus County Bank, Refresco, Lions Club, KeyBank, Walmart, Nestle Purina, Molina Healthcare, Save A Lot, Fredonia Ford, National Grid, The Waterfront Foundation, Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club and Kosciuszko Club. The event is coordinated by Scott Mekus, Dunkirk Festivals event specialist; Kisun Peters, Dunkirk City School District 4 Principal and Director of Family & Community Engagement; Amy Rohler, Executive Director and Dan Siracuse, Northern Chautauqua Community Relations Coordinator of the United Way of Chautauqua County.

“This is such an impactful event for Dunkirk students and their families, and we’re proud to partner with the City of Dunkirk and Dunkirk City School District to make it happen,” said Rohler. “It’s definitely in keeping with this year’s theme: united, we do more.”

“The school district, along with its board, staff, students and volunteers are so proud to be an integral part of this event every year,” said Peters. “It’s the kickoff to the school year and we love seeing all the smiles on everyone’s faces.”

Several local community agencies with giveaways and other information will be located under the main tent provided by Piede Tents. Participating agencies so far include Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Allegheny Highlands Council, Campus and Community Children’s Center, Rural Ministries, Chautauqua Opportunities, Feed More WNY, Good Hope Baptist Church, JCLC, JCC, Nestle Purina, and YWCA of Jamestown.

Also, Scouts of America Pack 267, NYS Department of Civil Service, Molina Healthcare, The Resource Center, Catholic Charities WIC, Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene and The Chautauqua Center.

Not-for-profit agencies that would like to participate, can still register by contacting Siracuse at 716-366-5424 ext. 101 before 3 p.m.. this Friday, August 22.

Deejay Giulia Giuffre of Star Sirch will play music along with several bounce houses provided by Bounce About. The Dunkirk Fredonia Lions Club will host “Tame Your Mane” complimentary back to school kids’ haircuts (while time permits) in the back of main pavilion. Complimentary hot dogs, chips, and beverages from Personal Touch Food Service and ice cream donated from Wells Enterprises will be served. A rain date make up is scheduled for Tuesday, if needed.

“This annual event is well-attended and a great way to prepare the students and families in Dunkirk for another fun year of learning and friendships,” said Mekus.

For more information about the event, contact Mekus at City of Dunkirk at (716) 366-9848 or smekus@cityofdunkirk.com.