SALINEVILLE — Southern Local Schools will celebrate the start of another year during the annual Back-to-School Bash on Aug. 27.

The event is slated from 4 to 6 p.m. on campus and will feature DJ J.T. Higgins with live music, food, free school supplies, inflatables and more than two-dozen vendors providing resources and other items. Southern Local Elementary Principal Emily Smith said the bash gathers the school community to have fun as they kick off the 2025-26 academic term.

“We usually get about 500 people,” she said, adding that she anticipated another strong turnout. “There will be at least 25 different vendors and we’ll be distributing free school supplies and backpacks along with toiletries.”

Also included are bounce houses, food, community organizations, school clubs and related groups with a bevy of information and giveaways while students and their families may view classrooms and meet their teachers. Meanwhile, both sixth- and ninth-graders will take part in orientation at 5 p.m. to familiarize themselves with their new surroundings in the junior high and high school building.

Smith added that the annual bash aims to begin the new year on a positive note.

“It’s a great way to kick off the year,” she said.

The first day of classes is Sept. 2.