SATURDAY-AUGUST 27, 2016—Close to a thousand families gathered on Saturday, August 29th to kick-off the new school year at Senator Parker's Annual Harvest Fest 2015 Back to School Celebration. Community residents enjoyed music, food and cultural performances during the daylong festivity that also included the distribution of free school supplies and backpacks, and a cadre of health and wellness activities for families. Children reveled in face painting while the educational exhibits that were on display provided college bound and youth program information in preparation for the new school year.
"This has always been such a wonderful way to start the new school year," said Curtis Nelson, Executive Director of Sesame Flyers International, also a sponsor and host of the annual event. "We want to give a special thank you to Senator Parker, a champion of education, and partner who assisted in ensuring today's annual event was a big success. Without the support of the Senator and a collective community effort, we would not have been able to deliver a festival of this magnitude."
The multinational clothing and accessories retailer The Gap, Inc., along with Time Warner Cable, NY Aquarium Wildlife Conservation Society, Healthfirst, YMCA, Lucy Trucks, Ifetayo, Stephanie Fleary author of Chocolatey Brown, Music Brings Life, Kings County Hospital, Sankofa/Tinker Toys, The Brooklyn Public Library, New York Life/Child ID Program, Ace's Beer & Soda Inc., Camba, Metroplus, Kings Plaza, and one of the oldest Greek-letter organizations, Alpha Kappa Alpha, co-sponsored the free of Charge Event!
MORE INFORMATION:
WHAT: Since its inception, over 1,000 families have attended State Senator Kevin Parker's Annual free back-to-school event Harvest Fest. Students will receive free backpacks full of school supplies to start the new school year off on the fully prepared. Families will be treated to free food, music, Cultural Art performances by Ifetayo and Sesame Flyers International, Inc.; Zumba Fitness instruction by the Flatbush YMCA; Marching Band Exhibition by the Empire State Marching Band; Archery tutorials by Hidden Gems Archer, and so much more. This highly anticipated community event has become both essential and fun for working families in the community as they prepare to send their school aged children back to school.
WHO: State Senator Kevin Parker, in partnership with Sesame Flyers International, Inc., Metro Plus, Gap Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and Delta Rho Omega Chapter will provide FREE backpacks and school supplies to attendees.
WHEN: Saturday, August 27, 2016 from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
WHERE: Paerdegat Park
East 40th Street (between Foster Avenue and Farragut Road)
Brooklyn, NY 11210
