Sat., Aug. 3, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Citizens Bank Stadium @ EHS

The 4th annual ECS Back-2-School Bash will feature 1,000 free backpacks full of school supplies, as well as inflatables, obstacle courses, lunch, giveaway items, health and education resources and back to school information direct from principals and teachers. The event will be held at the Citizens Bank Stadium at Elizabethton High School or inside EHS if it rains. This free event is open to families in Elizabethton, Carter County and surrounding area.

The event is planned in partnership with Elizabethton City Schools, Carter County Health Department, and the Elizabethton Police Department. Each year, community support makes this possible with thousands in donations, thousands in attendance and dozens of partners attending to share resources. This is a family-friendly event, but we ask that you leave your four-legged friends at home, unless they are certified service animals. You do not need to preregister for this event, and we typically have plenty of backpacks and supplies for all attendees. Thank you!

Event Sponsors

Each year, community sponsors make this event possible by donating more than $20,000 for the purchase of backpacks full of school supplies and inflatable rental, on top of donations of lunch and giveaway items for attendees. We order backpacks filled with school supplies from a school supplier, and they average about $16 each. Please consider giving local students the gift of confidence on the first day of school by sponsoring backpacks. Sponsors are recognized based on donation amount, as outlined below.

• Gold sponsors (62+ backpacks / $1000+) receive recognition on billboard, banner at event gate (provide your own 4' X 8' or smaller banner), news releases, promotional materials at event, ECS website & social media.
• Silver sponsors (40+ backpacks / $640+) receive recognition on news releases, promotional materials at event, ECS website & social media. 
• Bronze sponsors (<20 backpacks / <$320) receive recognition on promotional materials at event, ECS website & social media.

Donations in any amount are welcome and must be submitted by July 1, so that backpacks can be ordered. With questions about sponsorship, please call 423- 547-8000. 

This event is organized by Elizabethton City Schools, East River Park Christian Church, Elizabethton Police Department, Carter County Health Department, and United Way of Elizabethton/Carter County.

2019 Gold Sponsors

Aaron's

Academy Sports

Calvary Baptist Church

Carter County Christian Men's Fellowship

Carter County Health Department

East River Park Christian Church

Elizabethton Police Department

Jenny Lea Academy

Johnson City Press

Northeast Community Credit Union

2019 Silver Sponsors

ECS Coordinated School Health

Food City

Ingles/ Starbucks

Lowes

Rotary Club of Elizabethton

Tennessee Coordinated School Health 

2019 Bronze Sponsors

Alexander Insurance Agency

Burgie Drug Store

Citizens Bank

Richard and Donna Cain

Snap-on Tools

South Side Christian Church 

Stock Pot

WBEJ Radio

Resource Fair (spaces available)

We invite community organizations that provide health and educational resources to set up a table at the Back-2-School Bash. The purpose is to educate families about resources and activities, and there is no cost to participate. 

Apply Online Now!

Your application MUST BE APPROVED by the event planning committee, and you will be notified when it has been approved. Due to limited space in the stadium, table spaces are limited to organizations providing services that sustain families throughout the school year (health, education, community service and advocacy organizations, etc.) as well as businesses bringing school supplies to give away.

The event begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 11 a.m., and you must be completely setup by 8:30 a.m. You must bring your own table, tent and chairs, as these WILL NOT be provided. You may arrive as early as 7 a.m. to set up, and you will have a designated place to setup, so please check-in upon arrival. You MAY NOT bring food or drinks to distribute without prior approval. With questions, please contact 423-547-8000. 

2019 Resource Fair Organizations

Volunteers

We depend on volunteers to oversee inflatables, serve food, provide directions and help set up. Many ECS staff members volunteer, but we still need folks to help with some stations. Call 423-547-8000 to learn how you can volunteer at the event.

Campaigning and at the event

Citizens who are running for public office may get involved with the event by sponsoring backpacks (and receiving recognition mentioned above) or by volunteering at the event and wearing their campaign T-shirt or hat. They may meet with people who are waiting in line outside the event gate, where they are welcome to hand out branded campaign items. They are NOT permitted to promote their political campaign inside the event, to have a table inside the event, or to give out branded items inside the event.