Published: August 01, 2008 10:33 am      

School year kicks off with ‘Fiesta’

DUNCAN — With the beginning of school fast approaching, many civic organizations are helping kids prepare.

Some of these groups are working with the Stephens County Health Department to aid in the back-to-school program, Fiesta in Fuqua. The fourth annual event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday in Fuqua Park.

Dawn Price with the Health Department visited with members of the Duncan Breakfast Optimist Club recently to discuss the annual event. Price said the event served multiple purposes for the children and the community.

She said the program increases immunization awareness, increases physical activity to combat childhood obesity, provides school supplies, strengthens family relations and boosts community involvement.

“I think it’s going to be a constant annual thing now,” Price said.

“It introduces them to the whole idea of school. It’s just a free fun-filled day.”

To keep the event free for the community, Price has been seeking donations throughout Stephens and Comanche counties. Immunizations, dental screenings for the kids, child ID kits, school supplies, Kiddieland rides and hot dogs are among the free things available during the event.

“We didn’t want the kids to have to pay for anything,” she said.

With everything being free, more people are likely to attend the program, which helps Price work toward the goals set by the event.

Last year, an estimated 3,500 people attended the event, as opposed to the 2,000 during the first year of the event. The third year also provided 90 dental screenings in three hours.

“It has grown every year,” Price said. She said all children are required to have an adult with them. This is so families can spend time together.

Aside from preparing the children for school and getting families together, Fiesta in Fuqua also helps kids build self-esteem and garner life skills, she said.

“The kids have to learn there’s more out there,” Price said. “I think it’s a great tool.”

Preparation for the program started in December, when she sent out letters to remind businesses of the program and the need for donations. In March and April, she started contacting businesses to ask for money.

Despite the hard work she puts into the event each year, she said the program is worthwhile because of its benefits for the children, from kindergarten to high school.