Get Ready for the 10th Annual ACT Back to School Bash

The annual back-to-school bash is the ’s signature event, and it takes place at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday at the The event planned about six months in advance and brings out about 1,000 people every year.

“This helps out our families who are getting ready for a new school year,” said ACT’s Back to School Chairwoman Monica DeLancey. “It’s more than receiving backpacks and school supplies.”

Representatives from colleges will be available. There will be health screenings, performances from various youth organizations, such as the South Cobb Ravens cheerleaders and the Jr. Pebblebrook cheerleaders, along with guest performances.

This year, ACT partnered with Puckett EMS, Sweetwater C.A.M.P. and TACE of the United Way. The National Guard will have rock climbing as well.

DeLancey said the schools in the South Cobb area, like Riverside, Lindley and Clay Elementary get the word out to families about the event, which is primarily for families that live in Mableton, Austell and the Six Flags Corridor.

Parents must attend the event with their children, and there is plenty for the adults to do while the children have their fun and attend enrichment programs.

The bash will include parent leadership workshops, consumer credit workshops and about 50 local vendor booths.

Usually parents must attend two workshops and visit the vendors in the expo area, DeLancey explained, adding that the event is meant to be a positive one that helps both parents and children alike, “not just a place for them to pick up backpacks and leave.”

Some of the largest churches in South Cobb, and , will help with transportation and traffic flow of the event.

This is the first back-to-school bash with Michael Murphy as the chair of the Taskforce.

The organization has several events throughout the year and is always open for more members and volunteers to help with their three main causes: education, health and community safety.