HICKORY, N.C. (WHKY) — Families across the Hickory area are invited to kick off the new school year at the annual Back to School Bash next month.

The Hickory Police Department is partnering with the City of Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department to host the free event on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Taft Broome Park.

The Back to School Bash provides students of all ages with free backpacks and school supplies to help them start the new school year with confidence. Organizers say the evening will also feature inflatables, face painting, food and a variety of vendor booths offering resources and information.

The event is presented by Modern Nissan of Hickory, with additional support from The Wonder Group, Walmart, Cosmo Motors, Mike Johnson’s Hickory Toyota and Sport Clips Haircuts.

Taft Broome Park is located at 115 7th Avenue SW in Hickory.

For more information, contact Toddler Clark at tclark@hickorync.gov or 828-328-4890.