Thousands expected for Back to School Bash
Organizers expect more than 15,000 to turn out for the event at the Tampa Convention Center.
By OLIVIA GIFFORD
Published July 23, 2004
DOWNTOWN - Gear up for school at the ninth annual "All About Kids Back to School Bash" this weekend at the Tampa Convention Center. This year's theme: Caribbean Festival Fun.
"We are out to tickle the noggin," said coordinator Sherri Simonetti, who began the event nine years ago.
More than 15,000 people are expected to attend.
Each day, the first 2,500 children will receive a box of back-to-school goodies from Publix, and the first 300 will get their pictures taken with Road Runner. The Florida Aquarium will give tickets to the first 100 kids each day.
Operation Shoebox, a nonprofit organization supporting troops overseas with care packages, will accept donations throughout the weekend.
A coupon for free ice cream from Tanya & Matt's Ice Creamiest will be given to each person who brings a donation.
Items needed include sunglasses, deodorant, batteries sizes AA and D, toothpaste and toothbrushes, lip balm, mouthwash, disposable razors and nonaerosol shaving cream. For a complete list, visit www.operationshoebox.us
The Publix Entertainment Stage will feature the Junkanoo Character Parade, a music showcase and Tricky Ricky the Clown. Watch for Willy Wonka and his Wonkamobile.
Other activities include "Create a Creature" with Ybor artist Tom Kopian, face-painting, child identification kits, Mini Camp Carnival and the "Sargento Sand Box." Granma's Hug-N-Farm will delight with a petting zoo.
Participants can visit the Ophelia Project's "Girl Power Island" and enter to win a back-to-school shopping spree from Westfield Shoppingtown. The Early Childhood Council's "Right On Track" pavilion will have play stations for all ages, from infants to school-age children.
Families can enter for a chance to win Busch Gardens tickets, a one-year family membership from the YMCA, a birthday party on Captain Memo's Pirate Cruise, Glamour Shots certificates, a "Paint Your Pottery" birthday party from Create a Craft, restaurant certificates and event tickets from the St. Pete Times Forum.
Snacks will be available from various stores and restaurants, including Publix, Popeye's Chicken and Biscuits, and Floridata's Treet Street.
There'll be plenty for mom and dad, too. Go to www.backtoschoolbash.com and enter the "Message in a Bottle" contest to win a seven-day Carnival Cruise.
If you goThe All About Kids Back to School Bash runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin St. Cost is $7.50 for adults. Children younger than 12 admitted for $1, or free with a coupon from a participating Publix. For information, call 274-8511.