MOBILE, Ala. — With the first day of school approaching, two local restaurants are teaming up to send students back to class with a little extra support and a lot of fun.
Big A’s Bando and Trae Pay’s Sno-Balls and Snacks are transforming their shared parking lot on Azalea Road on Saturday into a one-stop back-to-school celebration for families across the Gulf Coast. The event, hosted by local food influencer Ratheal King Champion, is designed to bring the community together while easing the financial strain many parents feel this time of year.
“I’m really looking forward to everyone being happy and have a great time, man,” Champion said. “This is what we call a family event. We want everyone from every part of Mobile to come out and enjoy this. This is for everyone.”
Champion said families can expect free food, games, local vendors and activities for kids throughout the event. “We’ll give kids school supplies, free haircuts for the little boys, free nail art for the little girls, and we’ll also be doing a lot of food,” he said.
Organizers say the bash is about more than free supplies — it’s about creating memories while reminding families they have support in the community. “This event is to give kids something to look forward to and also build their confidence as they go back to school, because a lot of kids don’t have the ways to enjoy the summertime, so this is a way to have fun before they get back to school and also get some of the things that they may need,” Champion said.
With everything offered free of charge, organizers are encouraging families to arrive early, since school supplies are expected to go quickly. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 318 Azalea Road.