Higher Education Matters, a vendor at the 2017 jamboree

Vendor and volunteer opportunities available at Back-To-School Jamboree

Contributed By:The 411 News

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith, co-sponsor of the annual Back-To-School Jamboree, said opportunities are available for vendors to rent booth space for the event on Saturday, September 8 on the Indiana University Northwest (IU Northwest) Campus.

The free event will be from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“The Back-to-School Jamboree is an excellent opportunity for vendors to showcase their products to the large number of families who attend this popular annual event,” said Dr. Smith. “The Jamboree is fast approaching, so I recommend securing a location as soon as possible, in order to reserve the best, available site.”

The booth rental for youth service agencies is $35 and the cost for businesses selling products is $45. Hot dogs, Polish sausages and soft drinks are not allowed to be sold by vendors. More information may be obtained by calling Dr. Smith at 219-887-2046.

Dr. Smith said additional volunteers are also needed.

“Volunteering is fun at the Back-to-School Jamboree,” said Dr. Smith. “There are many events for which to volunteer, like the Double Dutch Jump Rope Competition, face painting, finger painting, the film festival, and many, many more events. Whatever your interest and skills, we will try to accommodate them for you as a volunteer. I offer my sincere gratitude for all of our volunteers. Helping students discover the excitement of education is a worthy investment of time.”

To volunteer for a few hours at the Back-To-School Jamboree, call Dr. Smith at 219-887-2046 to schedule a time.

Many events are on the agenda, including the popular Back-To-School 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. It is scheduled from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The early registration fee is still only $30, but on-site registration will be $45. Early registration application forms can be picked up at the Beautiful Things store, 3570 Village Court, Gary or one may call Dr. Smith at 219-887-2046.

Trophies will be awarded to the winners in the various 3-on-3 divisions, based on gender and age. Each participating player will receive a free t-shirt, lunch and a backpack with school supplies. The games will be held inside the IU Northwest Savannah Hall Gymnasium. Admission is free to the games.

The Jamboree will feature its annual film festival, scheduled from 10 a.m-4 p.m. In addition, a DJ will provide music for dancing from noon-4 p.m.

Numerous other Back-to-School Jamboree events will be held as well, including a video game tournament, a dance contest and the Double Dutch Jump Rope Competition.

There will be face painting, finger painting and a drawing contest for younger children and their siblings.

The Jamboree is sponsored by Dr. Smith, the African-American Achievers Youth Corps, Inc., the I.U. Dons, Inc., Indiana University Northwest, Haywood & Flemings Associates Insurance Agency, the Gary Crusader, the 411 News, Geminus Corporation, Fresh County Market, Familia Dental, metroPCS, Lil Lou’s Beauty and Barber College, ArcelorMittal, BP Amoco, Majestic Star Hotel and Casino, and U.S. Steel.

Higher Education Matters connects students and their families to college scholarships and financial aid

Jamboree co-sponsor metroPCS challenged students with a puzzle: How many blocks can be extracted without the tower collapsing?

Story Posted:08/29/2018