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Around 500 book bags filled with school supplies were passed out to a crowd of kids during the 12th annual PHYRE Back-to-School Bash.

LaFayette Serves, a local organization, gave out 100 backpacks in the first 20 minutes of the event.

P.H.Y.R.E, People Helping Youth Reach Excellence, is a nonprofit organization founded by Adrian Holloway. The group has hosted LaFayette’s biggest annual back-to-school event for the past 12 years.

This year for the first time, PHYRE partnered with the LaFayette Police Department to host the event. The last day of LPD’s Junior Police Academy coincided with the Back-to-School Bash on Saturday, July 27.

The participants of the Junior Police Academy received their recognition for participation during the event.

Tents wrapped around the LaFayette High School band field sponsored by LaFayette Serves, Operation Wipe Out and the Alabama Department of Public Health, Family Guidance Center of Alabama, West Georgia Technical, Auburn Rural Health Outreach Initiative, Army National Guard, LaFayette Rotary Club, Eastside J.P. Powell Middle School and more.

Many of the tents and booths circulated healthcare-related information, such as the Equitable Neighborhood Initiative. Holloway, the ENI community liaison for LaFayette, has been working on a project to build a new community health park at the old city park location.

The Operation Wipe Out organization has been working in Chambers County to address the high mortality rates of women with cervical cancer. Chambers County has the highest rates in the state.

Other booths passed out information for students such as the Eastside J.P. Powell Middle School, which now serves as the Chambers County School District’s STEAM magnet school.

During the event, LaFayette High School’s band and spirit team performed for the audience under Band Director Jared Willis.

Children of the county enjoyed riding on a train, taking a shot at the rock climbing wall and playing on the inflatable slides and bounce castles. Those who weren’t playing were listening out to see if they won one of the many prizes that were given out during the bash.

Thanks to sponsors of the bash, PHYRE was able to give away prizes like electronic tablets, smart TVs and Bluetooth speakers by playing games.