The Youth Summerfest/Christmas in July event celebrated another year of success at the Bert Wood Youth and Athletic Complex in Cedartown on July 31, giving away supplies ahead of the start of the new school year for families in need.

Around 800 backpacks filled with supplies were given away to school-aged youth in a drive-thru event this past weekend, along with clothing, food, bibles and even free haircuts for children who headed back to class on Tuesday.

The event put together by the combined efforts of the Youth Summerfest committee and the Stockings of Love program at Victory Baptist Church provided the supplies during the two-hour session. This was the 23rd year the Youth Summerfest program has been providing supplies for youth ahead of the start of the school year.

Like in 2020, organizers were unable to hold the annual Church Olympics which are normally part of the Youth Summerfest/Christmas in July event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is the second year in a row as well that backpacks and supplies have been handed out in the drive-thru, in order to provide some social distancing during the day.

The annual program is made possible by donations made from the community.