EAST AUSTIN, TX — Austin's Spanish-language newspaper El Mundo will stage its 9th annual "Back to School Fest" event next Saturday with fun activities, distribution of free school supplies and more.

Scheduled on Saturday, Aug. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Delco Center, 4601 Pecan Brook Dr., the event is free of charge and open to the general public. The not-for-profit event is staged annually with the sole purpose of assisting under-privileged families throughout the community, organizers said in a press advisory. Austin Police Department Chief Brian Manley and Assistant Chief Joe Chacon are expected to attend between 11 a.m. and noon. The event is expected to draw some 5,000 attendees.

There will be clowns and music to entertain the crowds, but the event also will features some more serious offerings related to back-to-school needs. School supplies will be doled out along with 5,000 backpacks (while supplies last). In addition, vision, speech and dental screenings and vouchers for eyeglasses for children will be made available, along with a booster seat distribution. Adult and children health screenings will be another fest feature. Families can partake of giveaways, contests, drawing and more. On hand will be a variety of family-friendly exhibitors providing information about their respective organizations, according to organizers.

Sponsors include Sandoval & James Attorneys, Devlyn Optical, Superior Health Plan, Covert Auto Group, Capital Metro, Austin Police Department Region 3 and HEB.



