Charleston, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Charleston hosted its annual First Day Festival, providing local families with essential school supplies and resources ahead of the new school year. The event, attracting over 200 families, featured free bookbags, notebooks, and educational resources. Attendees also learned about new programs like ClassLink to aid student digital access. This community-focused initiative, running for 24 years, helps alleviate back-to-school costs and builds connections among families. The festival reflects Charleston’s commitment to supporting education and community engagement as the new academic year approaches.
Charleston hosted its annual First Day Festival on Sunday, August 10, providing local families with vital school supplies and resources in anticipation of the new academic year. The event took place at the Gaillard Auditorium in downtown Charleston, running from 1 PM to 4 PM, and welcomed more than 200 families early in the afternoon.
Designed to assist families in preparing for the school year, the festival offered free admission and distributed essential school supplies, including bookbags, notebooks, pencils, and glue sticks. In addition to these items, parents and guardians were given access to crucial information regarding educational resources for their children.
The festival, now in its 24th year, featured a community resource fair alongside the Charleston County School District resource fair. Families were introduced to organizations such as the Charleston County Public Libraries and the Lowcountry Food Bank, highlighting the broader community support available to them.
Angela McLaughlin, executive director of nutrition services at the Charleston County School District, emphasized the importance of the festival in equipping families for the challenges of the school year. This year, the event also included information about the new program, ClassLink, which aims to facilitate student digital access.
The enthusiastic participation from the community was evident, with many attendees expressing gratitude for the opportunity to access school supplies at no cost. Parents, including Sean Causey, reflected on the financial relief provided by the festival, stating it saves his family hundreds of dollars each year while also offering a fun experience. Additionally, festival-goers enjoyed free admission to the South Carolina Aquarium, further enhancing the day’s activities.
The First Day Festival has been a cornerstone event in Charleston since 2003, reflecting the commitment to support students and families. As the first day of classes for Charleston County students approaches on Tuesday, August 12, the resources provided during the festival aim to alleviate the pressures often associated with the back-to-school transition.
Overall, this year’s festival not only met its goal of providing essential supplies but also fostered a sense of community among attendees, ensuring that many families are better prepared for the upcoming academic year.
FAQs
What was the purpose of the First Day Festival?
The First Day Festival aimed to provide school supplies and resources for families to prepare for the start of the school year.
Where and when did the festival take place?
The festival took place at the Gaillard Auditorium in downtown Charleston on August 10 from 1 PM to 4 PM.
What types of supplies were provided at the festival?
Attendees received free school supplies such as bookbags, notebooks, pencils, and glue sticks.
How long has the First Day Festival been held?
The First Day Festival has been held annually since 2003, making this year its 24th edition.
Key Features of the First Day Festival
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Provide school supplies and resources for families |
| Location | Gaillard Auditorium, Downtown Charleston |
| Date and Time | August 10, 1 PM to 4 PM |
| Admission | Free for families |
| Supplies Offered | Free bookbags, notebooks, pencils, glue sticks |
| Community Resources | Information from Charleston County Public Libraries and Lowcountry Food Bank |
| Attendance | Over 200 families attended early in the event |
| Next School Year Start | August 12 for Charleston County students |
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: First Day Festival
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
- Post and Courier: My Charleston Weekend
- Google Search: Charleston First Day Festival
- Count On 2: Back to School Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- The Real WV: Multifest
- Google News: Charleston Events
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
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