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JEFFERSON — The Ashe County Schools’ Back 2 School Blast along with the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office Deputy 4A Day saw a crowd of over 4,000 on Saturday.
”Every year, the Back to School Blast grows stronger, and this fourth annual event has truly brought our community together in remarkable ways,” said Superintendent Dr. Eisa Cox.
By organizing, the Back 2 School Blast with a “festival atmosphere”, students were able prepare for the upcoming school year and be excited for it she said.
The event featured many games and activities like giant Jenga, a Lego building station, and a dunk tank.
The Ashe County Sheriff’s Office conducted several K-9 demonstrations throughout the event. Kids had the opportunity to sit in patrol cars and learn more about law enforcement. According to the Ashe County Sheriff’s office, Deputy 4A Day allows law enforcement to “forge a positive relationship” with the young people of the community.
Families with children enrolled in the 2024-2025 school year were provided a chance to collect school supplies as well as receive class schedules.
Kids also had the opportunity to receive a pair of new shoes to wear before the start of the school year through Shoes for Kids, a local nonprofit focused on providing every child in Ashe County with “properly fitting, season appropriate footwear” at no cost. Over 1,000 pairs of shoes were provided, according to co-founder Melody Rector.
The Back 2 School Blast vendors included community organizations, local churches, and others who wanted to make the day special for the kids of Ashe County.
The kids in attendance were also provided a free haircut through local stylists who participated as part of the Haircuts 4 Kids. They were stationed at the front of the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Shane Little, owner of Style Depot, Inc, he and six other stylists provided close to 300 haircuts. The other stylists were: Britnie Woods, Toni Roten, and Skylar Hart with Salon Volume. Magaly Lopez with Cutters Edge, Tera Blevins with Mark of Eden and Ashley Hart.
The event occurs annually through a partnership between Ashe County Schools and the Ashe County Sheriff’s Office.
“It’s a testament to the power of collaboration, and I’m incredibly proud of the support our community has shown in helping every child feel ready and confident for the year ahead,” Cox said.
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