DETROIT – The sight at Campus Martius Park would make some do a double take as music blasts from the speakers.
On Sunday, families gathered under a tent while ominous clouds loomed above during a back-to-school bash hosted by the Downtown Detroit Partnership and sponsored by Corewell Health.
The event highlighted just because the first day of school is near doesn’t mean the summer fun needs to end.
Sometimes in life, it’s about having the right attitude.
“Well, I’m kind of excited to go back to school so all that matters is just having a great time,” said Zoe, a student.
But ask a parent.
Janay Foster said she’s ready for school and believes so are her two children who are also homeschooled.
Families came for the free backpacks however they stayed for the celebration. Youth performers hit the stage while a DJ spun a playlist meant to get kids focused on a fresh start, not merely the end of summer.
“We’ve got a little bit of summer left but I think it’s good to get back into the groove of school for sure,” said Soula Burns, director of corporate partnerships for Downtown Detroit Partnership.
The event provided 200 backpacks and free family-fun activities like making bracelets and backpack tags. Kids also walked away with a new book during the back-to-school bash.
The back-to-school bash is part of a new program where entertainment, community engagement and supporting family bonds merge at events.
For a look at similar family-friendly fun hosted by the Downtown Detroit Partnership, click here.