Mayor Johnson welcomes students annual back to school fair

Courtesy Dallas ISD, Tamytha Cameron

Numerous students attended the 27th Annual Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair at Fair Park on Friday, Aug. 4th.

The fair was located inside the Automobile Building and Centennial Hall and featured more than 150 vendors. The fair was hosted by mayor Eric L. Johnson along with Dallas ISD, Superintendent Dr. Stephanie S. Elizalde, and Junior League of Dallas president Christina Eubanks. A collaborative tradition between the city of Dallas, Dallas ISD, and the Junior League of Dallas, the fair supports nonprofits, corporations, and community initiatives. With more than 10,000 economically disadvantaged students and families served annually, the fair provides a comprehensive resource for all back-to-school needs.

“This family-friendly fair has become a beloved annual tradition here in Dallas before the start of each new school year — and for good reason,” Mayor Johnson said. “Each year, because of the generosity of the Dallas community, we equip thousands of Dallas students in grade levels pre-K through 12 with the back-to-school essentials that they need to succeed in the classroom. And this year, I am proud to announce that we will provide school supplies to more Dallas students than in any previous year of this event’s 27-year history. This event is incredibly meaningful to me, personally, as someone who grew up in underserved communities in west Dallas and Oak Cliff. And I’ve heard from other Dallas residents who feel the same way.”

The fair included more than 20 sponsors, 150 vendors, and about 500 community volunteers. Attendees accessed not only back-to-school essentials but also services including immunizations, dental screenings, vision exams, and various health and social support.

“Time and time again, I am reminded that Dallas is strong because our people are strong,” Johnson said. “And the Dallas community’s overwhelming support of this event is further proof.”

This year marked new initiatives, such as enlisting volunteers for expanded community outreach and raising awareness among Dallas families about the event. Noteworthy sponsors, including H-E-B, Energy Transfer, the Ryan Foundation, and others, joined in. High school seniors benefited from Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages’ contribution of 300 laptops.

“The Dallas Mayor’s Back to School Fair shows how committed Dallas is to getting all our kids what they need to succeed in school,” superintendent, Dr. Elizalde said. “Other cities don’t have mayors this dedicated to education, and we couldn’t be more grateful for Mayor Johnson’s partnership.”