Huss Project’s Back to School Celebration returns Saturday with free backpacks, community resources
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Huss Project, 1008 Eighth St. in Three Rivers, alongside the Huss Project Farmers Market and Second Saturday Market Art Market.
School-aged children accompanied by an adult caregiver can receive a free backpack filled with school supplies while supplies last. Throughout the day, local organizations will offer information about community services and host kid-friendly activities as part of the event’s annual Community Carnival.
Families can pick up free school supplies, connect with local organizations, and enjoy a day of food, music, and activities as the Huss Project hosts its annual Back to School Celebration this Saturday.
The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Huss Project, 1008 Eighth St. in Three Rivers, alongside the Huss Project Farmers Market and Second Saturday Market Art Market — an event you won’t want to miss on its own.
School-aged children accompanied by an adult caregiver can receive a free backpack filled with school supplies while supplies last. Throughout the day, local organizations will offer information about community services and host kid-friendly activities as part of the event’s annual Community Carnival.
Hosted by the Huss Project and *culture is not optional (*cino), the celebration aims to help local families prepare for the upcoming school year while connecting with resources available throughout the community.
“Our annual Back to School Celebration is a wonderful embodiment of community for our region,” *cino Executive Director Rob Vander Giessen-Reitsma wrote to Watershed Voice. “Not only will families receive free backpacks and school supplies for their children, but they can also connect with amazing resources offered by agencies throughout the county. And everything happens in a fun, inviting space where everyone is welcome. Plus there’s amazing food at the market and at the food trucks, amazing music, and fun activities all day!”
The Huss Project has served as a community gathering space since *cino purchased the former Huss Elementary School in 2009. In addition to hosting events, the organization operates an urban farm, farmers market, and arts programming as part of its mission to cultivate imagination, food, hospitality, storytelling and art with neighbors and community.
This year’s celebration will feature a musical storybook performance by members of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in the Children’s Garden. The performance, The Listening Walk, introduces young children to live music through an interactive storytelling experience.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., local band The Nathan Moore Affair will provide live music during the afternoon festivities.
Families can also browse local art vendors at the Second Saturday Art Market and shop for fresh produce, baked goods, and other locally made products at the farmers market.
Food trucks scheduled to attend include Cousins Maine Lobster and Chino’s Kitchen.
More than a dozen community organizations are expected to participate in the Community Carnival, including Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Three Rivers Area Mentoring, Community Action Head Start, Three Rivers Public Library, Neighborhoods Inc., Animal Rescue Fund, Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph County Health Agency, KeyStone Place, Pivotal, Beacon Community Impact, Immaculate Conception School, Aetna, Championship Martial Arts, PAWS/CAHC Adolescent Health Clinic, Rock the Vote, and After the Storm.
The Back to School Celebration is free and open to the public.
For more information, visit the Huss Project’s website.
Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.
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