As kids prepare to kick off another school session, the community is coming together to help parents and teachers easily transition into the new academic year.
Whether you’re looking for an event to grab some donated school supplies or are wanting to unwind one last time with your kids before they head to their new classrooms, Plant City has several upcoming events that may be a perfect fit for your family. Teachers have the chance to be pampered, too, before they dive headfirst into the new school year thanks to some unique offerings from a variety of local organizations and businesses.
*Note: The following list is not a complete calendar of back-to-school related events. Many of those listed were brought to the attention of staff at the Plant City Observer by readers like you.
Friday, Aug. 2
Back to School for Teachers at
Keel Farms
10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road, is hosting several special summer deals specifically for teachers at the winery weekdays from Aug. 2-9. The specials include deals on a bacon and beer cheeseburger ($13), apple for the teacher salad or wrap ($10), wine slushies ($6) and a three for $30 deal on bottles of Keel & Curley’s wine for teachers to take home. To take advantage of the promotion, you must have your teacher ID on hand.
Saturday, Aug. 3
SGC Back 2 School
Carnival
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Shekinah Glory Cathedral, 402 W. English St., is hosting a massive back-to-school event. All families are invited to come out and be their special guests. While your children play together with their peers, parents can sign up at the registration table to receive goodies for you and your family. There are no tickets for sale, but there is a link to pre-register for the event: www.SGChurch.net. The church is giving away backpacks, school supplies and clothes to those who attend and there will also be a variety of agencies and resources in the community on site to help connect families. Shekinah Glory will also be providing free food, music, fun and more. Students must be present to receive a book bag and supplies.
Christina Bryant
Boutique Back-to-School Open House
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christina Bryant Boutique is offering a tax-free shopping event to help local families find the perfect first day of school outfit. The store will also play Roll That Dice during the event, so you never know what you might get. The boutique specializes in LulaRoe clothing for shoppers of all ages. Call 813-391-8748 for more information.
Back-to-School Bash
1 to 3 p.m. Springhead Baptist Church, 3106 S. Wiggins Road, is hosting a back-to-school bash for the entire community. There will be a massive water slide, games, snacks, gifts and loads of fun all afternoon long at the church.
Back to School Event
3 to 6 p.m. Boost Mobile Five Star, 2303 James L. Redman Parkway Suite. H., is hosting a back-to-school event for local families. Join them and enter to win a backpack filled with school supplies. There will be live music and giveaways all evening long. The festivities will also have hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks and more.
Friday, Aug. 9
Keel Farms Back
to School Supply
Exchange
10 a.m. to 11 p.m. If you’re looking for a way to get rid of some of those folders and packs of paper your kids never used while also hoping to pick up some pens or journals, Keel Farms has the perfect event for you. On the weekend before school starts, families can come to the Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road, for a supply exchange. Bring any school supply you don’t need and swap it out for something on your student’s required shopping list. An added benefit to the swap is that the winery’s kitchen will be open, as will its fun playground, so your kids will enjoy the experience as much as you will. Board games are found inside the tasting room as well. The event is also held from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Aug. 10 and from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 11.
Saturday, Aug. 10
Back-to-School
Giveaway
10 a.m. Citadel of Life Cathedral of Plant City, 410 W. Renfro St., is hosting a special event in honor of the upcoming school year. The church will be giving away backpacks and school supplies and will also be selling fish sandwiches to anyone who is hungry. Join them for food, fellowship and free supplies.
Back 2 School
Zumba Party
10 to 11 a.m. DanZIN Deli is hosting a free Zumba class for the whole family at Planteen Recreation Center, 301 N. Dort St. Are you ready to work out and dance for a good cause? Join the community for a carefree, energetic and free dance workout for the whole family. School supplies will be accepted to donate to kids in the after school program at the Planteen Rec Center. Each donation will enter you into a drawing. The regular class schedule is 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays and Fridays and runs for $7 per class. Cash, CashApp and PayPal payments are accepted.
GNHAM Back
to School Bash
7 to 10 p.m. A special Back-to-School Bash is being held at Greater New Hope Anointed Ministries, 2104 Mud Lake Road, and is open to the entire community. There will be a school supplies giveaway and the event will feature Pastor Calvin “Pee Wee” Callins, Sis. A. Renee’, Sis. Chavonda Barnes, Bro. James Mitchell, Bro. Daniel Tademy and a host of other entertainers.