This Friday, August 5th and Saturday, August 6th, the Broadway Market in Downtown Mt. Vernon will be having a Back to School Bash. On Friday, the event will take place from 3 to 8 p.m. at Friday’s Food and Art. Saturday’s event will take place at Market Days from 8 to 2 p.m.
Along with the Back to School Bash, there will also be a United Way Stuff the Bus drive going on all weekend. Jennifer Miller, Executive Director of the United Way of South Central Illinois, said “United Way is excited to partner with Mt. Vernon Tourism for this weekend’s Back to School themed events. It is an incredible opportunity for us to not only collect school supplies for low-income students in Jefferson County, but also to bring awareness on how we partner with businesses and organizations to meet needs in our community.” She would like to thank everyone that has donated so far, but they are still in need of supplies. “The outpouring of generosity for Stuff the Bus has been amazing so far. However, we have identified more than 3,000 students who need assistance with school supplies, so any and all donations are greatly appreciated. If you want to support Stuff the Bus, but do not have time to shop or do not know what to purchase, United Way will take cash, checks or even credit cards.” United Way will also be bartending and all tips will go to them.
Dental Safari will be at Friday’s Food and Art. Dental Safari’s Jennifer Santi says, “Dental Safari is a mobile dental company that provides low-to-no cost dental care for kids from birth to 19 years. We will be providing dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants as needed.”
Also on Friday, there will be a Resource Fair with information for parents. As always, you will be able to watch live artist demonstrations and shop a variety of local fresh produce, handmade items, and specialty items. Live entertainment will be provided by Marshall Anderson from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For both events, there will be hairdressers giving free Back to School haircuts, free inflatables to bounce around on and giveaways.
“We are extremely excited to host the Back to School Bash Friday and Saturday,” Angela Schrum, Tourism Director commented. “Broadway Market is an excellent outdoor venue for the community to come together for entertainment and to support great causes, such as Stuff the Bus!”
Also on Saturday, our flea market & vendor fair will include collectibles, antiques, crafts, rummage, furniture, household items, repurposed items, handmade goods like soaps, purses, jewelry and more, art, plants, produce, baked goods, delicious prepared foods and much more. R & J Tactical Lazer Tag will be providing free laser tag. Live entertainment will be provided by Jeff Bradley from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information on these two events, look for Broadway Market or Friday’s Food and Art on Facebook or call 618-242-3151.
