Get ready for the new school year and look your best on the first day by picking up a free haircut and a complementary book bag at Garcia's Barbershop in Hornell Aug. 31.
The ninth annual "Back 2 School Bonanza" will welcome kids and families to the 21 Seneca St. barbershop from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday.
Youth 18 and under who are headed back to school will get a no-cost haircut – basic cuts and trims courtesy of Garcia's Barbershop – and a backpack containing some basic school supplies.
Children do not have to be from Hornell to take part and haircuts are available for boys and girls.
The annual event is very popular, with about 100 kids receiving free haircuts at both the 2022 and 2023 bonanzas, said Joe Garcia, owner of Garcia’s Barbershop.
Approximately 300 backpacks were distributed each year as well, Garcia said.
Bonanza moving from James Street Park to barbershop this year
There is one big change this year: the location.
Previous to 2024, the bonanza has been held at Veterans Memorial Park at James Street.
Garcia believes the new location − space both inside and outside the barbershop will be utilized − provides plenty of room and even has an advantage over the park.
“I think cutting in the shop will be nice because there will be air conditioning. If it’s hot outside, it can be tough to cut hair in the heat," Garcia said.
While kids wait for their turn in the barber's chair, families are invited to enjoy a festive atmosphere in the alley next door to the shop. The alleyway will be blocked off, allowing people to gather while Station Church grills hot dogs and Jason Macool of Harmony Blue Boutique spins tunes as acting DJ for the day.
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Macool, Station Church and Garcia's have been involved with the "Back 2 School Bonanza" since its inception. The community-centered event is about giving back to the Canisteo Valley, Garcia said.
"When I was younger I couldn't get a haircut so I know how it is. We like to do it just before school starts so kids have a fresh haircut," he said.
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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: 'Back 2 School Bonanza' returns in Hornell with free haircuts, book bags at Garcia's
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