Whitewater city officials, including members from the Whitewater Police Department, Whitewater Fire Department, Whitewater Parks and Recreation Department, and Generac, announced Monday that the first-ever School Supply Festival will be held this month.

According to a news release, the event will be held Thursday, Aug. 15,  between 5 and 7 p.m. at Cravath Lakefront Park.

A goal of the event is to support families within the Whitewater Unified School District through the distribution of “essential school supplies to children in need,” the city’s Chief of Staff Becky Magestro, in a followup interview, noted. 

The release read: “Understanding the financial challenges faced by many in our community, this festival aims to assist families to equip local children with the necessary tools for a successful school year.”

School supplies will be distributed to families while supplies last, the release stated.

Those attending the festival also will find a variety of children-focused and family friendly activities.

During the festival, the Whitewater Police Department will host a Bike Rodeo between 5 and 6 p.m., Children participating in the event are invited to bring their bicycles, which will be inspected to ensure “good working condition,” according to the release. Participants also will learn the rules of the road, participate in activities that develop bike skills, and, while supplies last, receive a bike helmet.

The Whitewater Parks and Recreation Department will present a Touch-A-Truck program. The activity, which will be held between 5 and 7 p.m., offers children an opportunity to explore a variety of vehicles and equipment they may have seen on the roads of Whitewater, the release stated.

Additionally, event-goers will find yard games.

As stated in the release, attendees are encouraged to stay for the Thursday Night Concert in the Park, featuring “Ladies Must Swing.” The group will perform between 7 and 8 p.m.

City officials are accepting donations, such as school supplies or money.

A list of preferred supplies includes: colored pencils, crayons, markers, spiral notebooks, binders, scissors, facial tissues, and disinfectant wipes, Magestro noted.

Donations may be brought to several locations, including the Whitewater Municipal Building, Starin Park Community Building, Whitewater Aquatic and Fitness Center, and the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library through the end of business on Monday, Aug. 12.