Opportunities available for vendors and volunteers at Gary Back-to-School Jamboree on Sat., Sept. 9
INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) said there are still opportunities available for vendors to rent booth space at the Gary Back-to-School Jamboree on Saturday, Sept. 9, on the Indiana University Northwest (IU Northwest) Campus.
The free event will be from 8:30 a.m.-4 pm.
“There are numerous families from throughout the area who attend the Back-to-School Jamboree,” said Dr. Smith.
“This is a great and unique opportunity for businesses and agencies to showcase their products and services to those students and their parents. Due to the popularity of the booth space, I would recommend reserving a location as soon as possible in order to secure the best, available site.”
Booth rental for youth service agencies is $35 and the cost for businesses selling products is $45. Hot dogs, Polish sausages and soft drinks are products not allowed to be sold by vendors. More information may be obtained by calling Dr. Smith at 219-887-2046.
Dr. Smith said additional volunteers are also needed.
“The Back-to-School Jamboree is truly a fun event,” said Dr. Smith.
“The volunteers find that they enjoy the day almost as much as the students. There are so many events, like the Double Dutch Jump-Rope Competition, face painting, finger painting, the film festival, and much more. We can utilize the skills and interests of everyone who volunteers. I sincerely appreciate our volunteers and their commitment to the students and education.”
Dr. Smith urges people to join him to volunteer a few hours for the Back-to-School Jamboree. They may call him at 219-887-2046 to schedule a time.
Many events are on the agenda, including the popular Back-to-School 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. It is scheduled from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The early registration fee is still only $30, but on-site registration will be $45. Early registration application forms can be picked up at the Beautiful Things store, 3570 Village Court, Gary or one may call Dr. Smith at 219-887-2046.
Trophies will be awarded to the winners in the various 3-on-3 divisions, based on age and gender. Each participating player will receive a free t-shirt and lunch. The games will be held inside the IU Northwest Savannah Hall Gymnasium. Spectators are admitted free to the games.
The Jamboree will feature its annual film festival, scheduled from 10 a.m-4 p.m. In addition, a DJ will provide music for dancing from noon-4 p.m.
Numerous other Back-to-School Jamboree events will be held as well, including a dance contest, the Double Dutch Jump-Rope Competition and a video game tournament.
There will be finger painting, a drawing contest and face painting for the younger children and their siblings.
The Jamboree is sponsored by Dr. Smith; the African-American Achievers Youth Corps, Inc.; the I.U. Dons, Inc.; Indiana University Northwest; Haywood & Flemings Associates Insurance Agency; the Gary Crusader; the 411 News; Geminus Corporation; Fresh County Market; King Milan Barber Shop; Familia Dental; Centier Bank; MetroPCS; the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males; and the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.