A school fair featuring the magic of education and a magician enticed more than 1,200 patrons to appear at The Landing on Aug. 10.
The third annual education fair featured school supplies for military families as their students prepared for the new school year. Operation HomeFront and the Junior Leadership Council worked together to provide the supplies donated at Dollar Tree stores in the area.
Backpacks, pens, pencils, paper towels, tissues and unlikely items like baggies were all collected for military families. Lists of items a child might need in each school year were provided by Davis and Weber County schools providing services to base children.
Any military family member, Reserve, Guard or active duty with base access were able to take advantage of this opportunity.
Colin Bibo, a Boy Scout, working on his Eagle Project, worked with Troop 157, sorting the supplies beforehand and working to bring in donations for some of the more unusual items requested by teachers.
"It was a big job," said Judith Maughan, installation School Liaison. Representatives at the Airman and Family Readiness Center involved in the project were especially appreciative for their support.
Information for families was also a big part of the event. "We have over 50 agencies/vendors providing information at the fair," said Maughan.
Tammy Custer, Exception Military Families Program - Family Service representative, said the function was also a Child Find opportunity. "Anyone concerned about their child not meeting potential benchmarks could find information in a nonthreatening environment," she said. This provided opportunities for early intervention and support for the families who might need it.
Mike Hamilton, a musician, presented shows at 4:30 p.m. and again at 5:30 p.m. to delighted fans. Col. Sarah Zabel, 75th Air Base Wing commander, and Chief Maxwell Grindstaff, 75th ABW command chief, greeted the crowds with an introduction and welcome, including brief comments about the importance of education.
The Youth Center and Child Development Center, Outdoor Recreation, and major organizations on the base were major vendors at the fair as were medical organizations featuring immunization information.
Information for military spouses was also a major feature at the fair.
And most important of all the event was a lot of fun for everyone.
Pizza, cookies and lemonade were provided at The Landing as refreshments.
