SYRACUSE — Back to school season is upon us, with kids and teachers preparing to return to the classroom later this month.
The Syracuse Volunteer Fire Department and Ladies Auxiliary did their part in easing some of the burden on parents on Saturday with their Back to School Bash and Kids’ Safety Day. The event, held from noon to 3 p.m., featured bounce houses, one of which was a water slide, music, free hot dogs and other refreshments, fire trucks, an ambulance, and a couple of contests.
According to Mandy Roush, one of the volunteers for the day, the fire department gave away 22 book bags by raffle drawing. They also had 100 back to school packs of supplies and 300 hot dogs prepared for the event.
As an extra bit of fun, they also ran a limbo contest and a hula hooping contest, with the winners receiving a $25 Wal-Mart gift card. Craig McGuire impressed onlookers with his limbo abilities, while David Kemmpel bested the competition at hula hooping.
Students in Meigs Local School District will have their first day of classes for the 2017-2018 school year on Aug. 23, while Eastern and Southern students will head back on Aug. 24.

Jessica Marcum is a freelance writer for The Daily Sentinel.