Greensburg Salem's 2nd Back to School Bash features cornhole, expanded food options

Greensburg Salem School District is anticipating a big turnout at its second annual Back to School Bash and has lined up more food options for the Aug. 21 event.

Admission is free for the family-friendly gathering, which is open to the community from 5 to 7 p.m. at Greensburg’s Offutt Field.

“We had about 1,200 people attend last year, and we’re hoping for the same or more this year,” said Kayla Tamer, associate to the district superintendent and coordinator of community outreach.

The event will feature music, entertainment, games, prizes and children’s activities. It also serves as a showcase for the district’s fall sports teams and student organizations while providing an opportunity for connecting with agencies that offer resources in the community.

The district is encouraging those who attend to show their Greensburg Salem pride by wearing the school colors: brown, white and gold. Sports booster groups will be on hand selling spirit wear.

Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department and the Rotary Club of Greensburg will provide a free hot dog and water for all those attending. Concessions and food trucks will offer additional fare for sale.

“We’ve added some more food trucks, up from two or three to six,” Tamer said.

Menu options include: burgers, onion rings and wings from Speal’s on Wheels; fried food, coffee and sweets from KJ’s Rolling Kitchen; sandwiches, chips and drinks from Firehouse Subs; sweet treats from McFeely’s Ice Cream; and flavored ice from Kona Ice.

According to the district, Kona plans to donate a portion of its sales proceeds from the event to the Greensburg Salem High School Mini-THON committee.

That student committee, modeled after a program at Penn State, collects money to aid in the fight against pediatric cancer and to assist children who are battling the disease and their families. The students organize fundraisers in an annual campaign that culminates in a dance marathon in the school gym.

Mini-THON fundraisers at the Back to School Bash will include a dunk tank, where visitors will try to dunk district teachers, and a cornhole tournament. Last year’s tournament raised more than $1,600.

The cost to take part in the tournament is $20 per team. Those interested in playing can email gsminithon@gmail.com.

In addition to the school band, other student groups that will take part in the bash include: Battlebots/Technology Student Association; National Honor Society; Student Council Association; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; the student-taught Cub’s Den preschool; and Hutchinson Special Education.

Community organizations that will be represented include Red Cross, Ray of Hope, Triangle Tech, Greensburg Hempfield Area Library, Seton Hill University, Saint Vincent College Prevention Projects, Wesley Family Services, Westmoreland Drug and Alcohol Commission, Big Brother Big Sisters of the Laurel Region, Greensburg Youth Football and Cheer, Westmoreland Community Action, United Way, University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, Westmoreland Performing Arts, Westmoreland Cultural Trust, Family Behavioral Resources, Dogtopia, Westmoreland County Community College, YMCA, YWCA, Dad’s Matter (Private Industry Council), Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center, Brave Martial Arts and Stage Right.

“Last year was a great success, and we hope to build upon that success this year,” Superintendent Ken Bissell said of the bash. “We believe the success of our schools, children and community are linked together.”