Whitefish holds back-to-school celebration

With schools back in session, Whitefish is gearing up for its annual back-to-school celebration.

Whitefish CARE’s annual Back to School Bash is from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Smith Soccer Field Complex in Whitefish. The event is free and intended for all students and families in the Whitefish School District.

The bash offers the community a chance to catch up after the summer and a one-stop shop to take care of fall errands, CARE Director Michelle Kuntz said.

Children will be able to sign up for hockey, martial arts and dance teams, church youth groups and scouts. Parents will have the opportunity to sign up for the PTA and Booster Club.

The event is also a fundraiser for Whitefish CARE, which works to promote a safe and healthy environment for the Whitefish community.

CARE provides activities in and out of school, including mentoring programs, parenting classes, Red Ribbon Week and drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention programs within the Whitefish School District.

Whitefish CARE has lost all of its federal funding this year, Kuntz said, and so is relying on donations and grants. While some activities at the bash are free, tickets will be sold for some activities.

At the bash, CARE and other groups  are sponsoring a children’s carnival, in which younger children will interact with high school students in games and fun activities.

Students will have a chance to dunk school administrators and law enforcement officers in a dunk tank, Whitefish Mountain Resort will have an aerial bungee trainer and Northern Lights Laser Tag will provide a laser tag game.

A bounce house will be available for young children, and vendors will have food for sale.

Student groups and clubs from all three Whitefish schools, church youth groups and youth-oriented businesses or activities in the community are invited to participate. The groups will offer information and membership sign-ups at the event.

For further information about the bash, or to get involved, contact Kuntz at 250-4645 or e-mail her at kuntzm@wfps.k12.mt.us.