Back-to-school party for students, families scheduled for Aug. 18

August means it's time to get ready to go back to school.

The summer is winding down, but not without a bang. The Youth Recreation Action Team of Fort Scott Community Visioning is hosting a Back to School Block Party for students and families from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, on Main Street between 9th and 11th Streets.

The block party will have free food, events, games and a dance with a live band. There will also be giveaways including an iPod, Xbox and a Nintendo Wii.

Students must register for giveaways when they enroll for school. They can stop by the Fort Scott Recreation table during enrollment to sign up.

Students must be present at the block party to win.

The Youth Action Team is one of five action teams created from the Fort Scott Community Visioning process started about two years ago. The team focuses on creating and improving recreation for youth in the community.

Action teams and the Fort Scott Community Visioning Steering Committee are made up of community members from education, health and human services, business and government.

While the block party is meant to be a fun event for students and their families, the Youth Recreation Action Team will also use this as an opportunity to share its vision and goals.

"I'm encouraging everyone to come," Diana Mitchell, Youth Action Team co-convener, said. "First of all, it's going to be a fun event for everyone in Fort Scott. We encourage you to come and talk to the committee members. We are passionate about this. We want the youth of Fort Scott to have things to do. We don't want Fort Scott pegged as 'nothing for our kids to do.' We have a vision and we are listening."

The public is welcome to attend, have fun, visit with the committee and share ideas. Anyone wishing to volunteer or contribute to the event may contact Mitchell at (620) 223-6440.