A $5,000 Community Development Block Grant has paved the way for a citywide school information services fair.

The Arlington Back-to-School Fair is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 at Hutcheson Junior High School, 2101 Browning Drive. The event brings together Arlington area social service agencies such as Mission Arlington and Arlington Charities who assist families with clothing, immunizations, dental care, school supplies and other services.

The fair will be a one-stop shop for information about school registration, free and reduced lunch programs, school bus transportation, child care and more. Clown Alley will provide free face painting and balloon sculptures and the City of Arlington Southeast Branch Library will offer storytimes for children.

Ace Acorn, Bowser Bob and Read (the Book Worm) will make special guest appearances. Organizers are expecting more than 300 families to attend. The first day back to school for Arlington students is Monday, Aug. 19.

"This event offers on-site information to assist Arlington families in preparing for the new school year. The fair will also include free health screenings by the AmeriGroup Corp. and information from other health service providers," said Event Coordinator Cynthia Chapman.

Major sponsors include the City of Arlington, Arlington Independent School District, Arlington Star-Telegram and Laestrella. Buck N’ Loons family restaurant in south Arlington will provide free hot dogs and drinks.

The Aug. 10 Back-To-School Fair is a community outreach program of the Arlington Youth and Families Board, an advisory group to the City Council on improving service and support to youth and families in the city. For more information about the Back to School Fair, call 817-459-5491.