For Parents

We welcome students registered in Watauga County Schools that are struggling to afford the high costs of back-to-school shopping. If you wouldn’t normally ask for help but need it, please don’t hesitate to come.

Please note: Registered Watauga County students permitted only. i-ready verification is required at registration.

What to expect at the festival

You must attend the Back 2 School Festival at your students home district’s assigned time. We are not able to admit students early.
High School students should attend the festival at their home district’s assigned time slot.
We will offer school supplies to help with the high cost of back-to-school shopping. We do our best to supply as many supplies as possible from binders and headphones, to pencils, erasers, scissors, and paper. You need it, we probably have it!

Students will also receive a brand new backpack, and pair of shoes (student must be present at the festival to receive a pair of shoes).
NOTE: We cannot guarantee that your child will get everything on their supplies lists. You may need to purchase additional items based on your child's personal school list. Check your child's teacher's supplies list (usually available at their school) after you leave the festival to see what additional items you may need to purchase yourself. If there are items on your child’s list that you cannot afford and we cannot readily supply, we will take your name and school name and do our best to get these items to you within the first week of school through your school social worker. Children must be physically present at the festival in order to receive shoes.
Local agencies will be on hand to offer information about beneficial programs and services in Watauga County.
Free snacks will be provided to all students and families.
We love to have fun at the Back 2 School Festival! Information Booths will host activities for your family to enjoy in the big gym. Come enjoy festivities and games, and get into the back-to-school spirit!
NOTE: This is a family friendly event, but PLEASE leave your pets at home, unless they are certified service animals.
Register to volunteer to help with the festival and shop early for your child’s needs. There is a wide array of times and jobs that will fit your needs.

"As a mom of 3, school shopping adds up quickly. What means the most is that my kids still get to make their own choices, picking out shoes and a backpack they really like. That choice makes them so proud to walk into school on their first day. My kids look forward to it every year!"

— Kathryn
"My favorite part was picking my own backpack. It has space for all my stuff and I had fun playing games with my friends."

—Sarah, Age 7
“The outpouring of generosity from all corners of the community resulted in hundreds of children & families able to start the school year fully prepared to learn & succeed.”

—Dr. Scott Elliot, FORMER Watauga County Schools Superintendent
"I got black Nike's and they look really cool and help me run fast. I can't wait to wear them on my first day."

— Chris, Age 13
"The driving force is the excitement that you see here. You have kids so excited to get their backpacks and they’re showing their teachers their new backpack and they’re showing off their new shoes and it’s just exciting to see the excitement on these kid’s faces — makes it all worth it."

—Kendra Sink, Back 2 School Festival Coordinator
"“At the heart of the Back 2 School Festival is our community’s unwavering support for our schoolchildren. This event is about making sure every student feels seen, supported, and ready to take on a new school year.”

— Anna Floyd, Back 2 School Festival Media Coordinator

For Parents

What to expect at the festival

"As a mom of 3, school shopping adds up quickly. What means the most is that my kids still get to make their own choices, picking out shoes and a backpack they really like. That choice makes them so proud to walk into school on their first day. My kids look forward to it every year!"

"My favorite part was picking my own backpack. It has space for all my stuff and I had fun playing games with my friends."

“The outpouring of generosity from all corners of the community resulted in hundreds of children & families able to start the school year fully prepared to learn & succeed.”

"I got black Nike's and they look really cool and help me run fast. I can't wait to wear them on my first day."

"The driving force is the excitement that you see here. You have kids so excited to get their backpacks and they’re showing their teachers their new backpack and they’re showing off their new shoes and it’s just exciting to see the excitement on these kid’s faces — makes it all worth it."

"“At the heart of the Back 2 School Festival is our community’s unwavering support for our schoolchildren. This event is about making sure every student feels seen, supported, and ready to take on a new school year.”