Bradford Area School District will welcome its students back with style during the 13th annual Back to School Rally, to be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Bradford High School’s Parkway Field.

“The community comes together to provide all of these resources for our students,” said Erin Waugaman, district superintendent. “We reach out to our community partners to support this event and each year they step up to the plate.”

The event will offer students free backpacks, haircuts, sneakers and other school supplies.

“All kids love to start the year fresh with new supplies and it is great that we can provide that support,” said Waugaman.

This year, two teachers, David Eaton of George G. Blaisdell Elementary and Nikki Bost of School Street Elementary, organized the rally.

“They were the ones who reached out to local businesses and managed the logistics,” said Waugaman. “We also have other teachers and administrators who volunteer on the day of the event to help make it great.”

In addition to gathering free loot, children will have a chance to reconnect with their classmates and meet their teachers for the upcoming school year.

The Era’s Less Fortunate (ELF) Fund will provide a hot dog lunch. In addition, there will be Kindle raffles and book giveaways for kids of all ages. Many local businesses and organizations will also set up booths.

Waugaman estimates that the rally attracts around 300 people each year.

“It’s a fun afternoon for the community to come together and show their support for the students,” said Waugaman. “We are so grateful for everyone who takes the time to help.”