By EMILY REED

Special to the Reporter

ALABASTER – Plans are underway for the first Back to School Bash Color Run and fundraiser on Aug. 11 to benefit the cheerleading programs through Alabaster City Schools.

The event will raise money to support the cheerleading program as a whole, said Suzanne Lee, one of the event coordinators.

“Thompson Middle School will be beginning their competitive program this year, and Thompson High School will be starting their fifth competitive season,” Lee said. “Both teams will work hard from July until February preparing and participating in competitions. The ultimate goal is to qualify for and perform well at the National High School Cheerleading Competition in Orlando in February of 2018. Running a competitive program is extremely expensive so fundraisers are a must. Without fundraising efforts, many students would not be able to afford cheerleading.”

The event will kick-off at 5 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. with carnival-type activities such as face-painting, balloon animals, and inflatables. The fun run, for ages 10 and under, will take place at 6 p.m. and the 5K will begin at 7 p.m.

The event will be held at Veterans Park, located off Highway 119 in Alabaster.

Lee said event organizers are still working to recruit vendors and food trucks that might be interested in attending the event.

“We are working to have plenty of food trucks on site so that families can have dinner options to please everyone,” Lee said. “We hope this can be a family activity. We envision an event where parents and older siblings can participate in the 5K Color Run/Walk and younger students can participate in the fun run. We are also working to provide inflatables that will be fun for all ages and not just a bounce house. Our goal is for families to enjoy the event together, and with friends.”

Lee said wrist bands will be available for pre-purchase at all of Alabaster City Schools registrations.

Race registration is available online for both the 5K and Color Run.

“We are currently recruiting vendors and sponsors for the event,” Lee said. “We need the help of the businesses in the community to make this event a success.”

If anyone is interested in being a vendor or a sponsor, contact Lee at suzanne.lee@acsboe.org or Heather Myles at heather.myles@acsboe.org.

Alabaster City Schools is hosting a Back to School Bash on Aug. 11 to benefit the cheerleading programs through its schools.