BEDFORD—On Thursday, July 18th, Hoosier Uplands hosted its Back-to-School Bash at the Lawrence County 4-H Fairgrounds. The event provided students with free backpacks and school supplies to prepare for the coming school year, as well as free popcorn, smoothies, diabetes exams, and haircuts.
Angela Carmichael of Bedford told WBIW, “My daughter is going into kindergarten this year, and this would be something fun to do to end the summer.”
It seems that most people agreed with Mrs. Carmichael. The line to enter extended outside the building where the bash was taking place. Luckily, snow cones, bubble drinks, and Blues Cafe Go were available to them as they approached the entrance.
Inside the event, music from WQRK 105.5 energized the attendees to dance and enjoy themselves as multiple vendors greeted them. Popcorn from the Holiday Drive-In Theater was accessible to the patrons who attended.
Backpacks were stacked and ready to go for the families.
Whitley Clements, the Hoosier Uplands Director of Strategic Development and Special Projects, gave some insight into the event. “We have been very intentional with trying to provide as many supplies as possible to set kids up to have a successful school year.”
The Lions Club offered free diabetes testing. Judy Clifton, who generously administered the tests, shared her thoughts: “We’re doing free diabetes testing. We started this three years ago with the International Lions Club. Our real goal is to assess so people can take the necessary preventative measures.”
The 4-H booth had the coolest activity. A person could hop on a bicycle, and the bike would power a blender used to make smoothies. The 4-H extension educator, Lesley Lodmell, told us that she had seen the bike at another 4-H event, so she applied for a grant to get one. She told us that it can also make spin-art and that the bike will be featured at the Culture Crawl event.
From the blender bike to the rocking beats of WQRK to the free popcorn and free haircuts provided by Gage Forest, from the school supplies to the diabetes tests, the school year has started right.
