East Texas parents prepare with back-to-school shopping

LONGVIEW, Texas ( KETK ) – A back-to-school bash was held Friday night in Longview as a way to say goodbye to summer.

The Longview World of Wonders hosted the event and even gave parents a few hours to potentially cross things off their back-to-school to-do list.

“I haven’t bought the paper towels or the bookbags yet, but maybe this weekend because its tax-free weekend,” Josie Cibrian, an East Texas parent, said.

Cibrian said she began shopping early and took advantage of summer sales.

“I did the crayons, the folders and the markers. That’s when I bought that at Target when it was on sale,” Cibrian said.

On the other hand, Rachel Zeller, a Tyler parent, is reusing some supplies from last school year to save some cash.

“Teachers gave back school supplies at the end of the year that they didn’t use. So, we went through and matched up because every grade has to have different colors and things like that,” Zeller said.

While some parents will use this sales tax holiday to buy back-to-school clothes, others keep an eye open for sales year-round.

“I shop ahead for them. So, if the summer clothes are going on sale soon or it already is, I usually size up for them and they can wear it next summer,” Cibrian said.

Parents are using the last few days of summer to set their children up for success this school year. Children at the event on Friday enjoyed pizza and games as well as hands on discovery.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.