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The 12th annual county-wide Back-to-School Bash hosted by P.H.Y.R.E in LaFayette is once again returning on July 27. 

P.H.Y.R.E, People Helping Youth Reach Excellence, which is now a 501-c3 has been hosting the completely free event for the past 12 years. This year, the organization is partnering with the LaFayette Police Department and this year’s participants of the Junior Police Academy. 

The organization prepares 250 to 300 backpacks each year. They are fully packed with paper, pencils, pens, crayons and markers, depending on the age group.

This year, though, founder Adrian Holloway said they anticipate having 300 to 400 backpacks ready, not including backpacks provided by other organization vendors at the event.

“I just wanted to afford kids the opportunity to come out with their families, have a fun day, and get some things that they need to get back to school,” Holloway said. 

PHYRE was originally born out of a ministry from Holloway’s church. 

“I was realizing kind of the kids weren’t coming out as they used to, and so I thought what can I do to try to engage the youth?” She remembered.

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT at the Lafayette High School band field. 

“We have lots of sponsors that have been so kind as to contribute so that we’re able to do this each year,” Holloway said. 

Holloway said there will be opportunities for kids to win prizes like electronic tablets, smart TVs and Bluetooth speakers by playing games. 

Among other entertainment will be an inflatable slide, cyber game truck, rock wall climbing, foam dance battle, line dancing and free prizes. 

There will also be free hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, an ice cream truck and other refreshments. 

This year, Holloway said, they are hoping to include a basket drawing or giveaway of supplies for teachers. 

“Oftentimes they go into their pockets to make sure their classrooms have what they need, and so we want to do something to try to do a giveaway for teachers as well,” Holloway said. 

Vendors like Equitable Neighborhood Initiative (ENI) will have resource tables during the event.

ENI is a program designed to provide rural communities with healthcare scarcity with information and resources. As LaFayette Community Liaison for ENI, Holloway said she will be introducing the 100 Miles Alabama challenge. The initiative challenges Alabamians to get moving and walk 100 miles. 

Operation Wipeout, a partnership of organizations working to eliminate cervical cancer through HPV vaccinations, will have a table offering appointments for free screenings. 

Eastside Elementary, Uniform Giveaway, The Village, Auburn Dream Center, Sisters Social Club, Circle of Care, Auburn University Outreach and more organizations will also be in attendance.

Volunteers from UNITE, a nonprofit organization geared toward encouraging youth academically, and LaFayette High School seniors will be showing up to volunteer during the event as well.