Last Saturday, hundreds of eager kids, youth and their families swarmed the campus of Tryon United Methodist Church for its sixth annual Back to School Bash.

About 50 more students picked up free school supplies this year than last year.   Nearly 300 winter coats were distributed, hundreds of haircuts were given and countless hot dogs, snow cones, desserts and drinks were consumed. The inflatable obstacle course, ninja slide and basketball shootout all took a beating.

The Lions Club performed vision screenings on young and old, and many toddlers in the crowd signed up to receive free books through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

It was truly a blessed day, as smiles and shrieks of joy filled the place.  A hearty “thank you” is given to all in the church and community who participated.  Thanks to Aaron Greene for his support and to the following local businesses and organizations who contributed in a variety of ways:  Uptown Girl styling salon, Brocks Cleaners, Food Lion, Asheville Inflatables, Tryon Country Club and the Polk County Rescue Squad.

We’re already looking forward to the seventh bash, so mark your calendars now and reserve the second Saturday in August 2017!

– article submitted by Steve Collie