Harmony Free Will Baptist Church in Hampton is putting the final touches on an annual mainstay in Carter County.

The church is inviting area church congregations, businesses, organizations and other individuals to help take part in the annual 9th Back to School Bash taking place Saturday, July 29, at Harmony.

Over the past eight years, the Back to School Ministry, which spearheads the event, involves several churches of all denominations and other area businesses within the county to come together to help provide children with school supplies.

“We’re so excited about this year’s event,” said Brandon Young, pastor of Harmony.

The pastor indicated that the event is looking to provide 1,200 backpacks to children from grades K-12.

“We want to invite everyone to come out,” he said. “It’s a great day of family fun. We want to spread the love of Christ with the community and also make sure our children are prepared for the upcoming school year.”

No proof of income is needed to receive a free backpack and supplies. Along with the opportunity to receive school supplies, the church’s property will also house a variety of different vendors and activities for families and children with this year’s theme being “Beauty and the Beast”.

Activities available during the Back to School Bash include paintings, inflatables, Disney characters, puppet shows and live music.

To go along with all the items provided, lunch, along with the other listed events, will be provided at no charge.

According to the church’s website, all monetary donations received for the event will go directly into helping the community.

“Your donation will allow area children to experience an end of the summer treat they may not ordinarily get due to lack of finances,” the church said in a statement on their website.

Director Shannon Posada added that shelter will be running from Hampton High School from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to assist with transportation needs for the event.

“We want to thank all of the churches, organizations, businesses and volunteers that have helped with this event,” she said. “This is all-year process when it comes to preparation and we want to thank everyone involved.

“We definitely want to encourage the public to come out and assist in any capacity that they can,” Young said. “We’re very appreciative of all the support we’ve received over the years. There’s opportunities for people to sponsor, volunteer during the event, and other ways to help.”

The Back to School Bash typically reaches approximately 4,000 people in one day. The church indicated that they see around 120 to 200 people come to know Christ or rededicating their lives.

In case there is a surplus of supplies or finances, the remaining funds are held over in a special bank account to prepare for the following year’s event.

For more information, visit harmonychurch.org/back-2-school-bash online or call (423) 725-3338.