Back to school bash makes the end of summer fun
Travis Pooler gets a high five after a successful haircut. Photos by Brandy Muz
Jai Rodrigues busts a move
VFW members were in and out with brooms for the hair that had to be swept
Zenayah William Barron takes a turn in the salon chair
A tug of war for the ages
Colton Brant gears up for a kick
Not a potato in that sack, it’s Adrianna Camilo
Naomi Tavares gets a good angle of the fun
Naomi Tavares tries her hand at some of the games
Laser focus like no other, Tristen Pina keeps his eye on the prize
With a pep in her step, Layla Bailey makes her way back to her team
Adrianna Camilo focuses in on her egg 
Ryker Reddy gets a fresh cut
John Gilmet was one of many barbers who lent his skills to children like Ryker Reddy
The slide on the obstacle course has Quinn Hagarty zooming
Cousins Layla Bailey and Adrianna Camilo camped and swam this summer
Keeping a watchful eye on the obstacle course, Lady K kept cool in the sun
Colton Brant and his mom he loved hanging with all summer
Travis Pooler gets a high five after a successful haircut. Photos by Brandy Muz
Jai Rodrigues busts a move
VFW members were in and out with brooms for the hair that had to be swept
Zenayah William Barron takes a turn in the salon chair
A tug of war for the ages
Colton Brant gears up for a kick
Not a potato in that sack, it’s Adrianna Camilo
Naomi Tavares gets a good angle of the fun
Naomi Tavares tries her hand at some of the games
Laser focus like no other, Tristen Pina keeps his eye on the prize
With a pep in her step, Layla Bailey makes her way back to her team
Adrianna Camilo focuses in on her egg
Ryker Reddy gets a fresh cut
John Gilmet was one of many barbers who lent his skills to children like Ryker Reddy
The slide on the obstacle course has Quinn Hagarty zooming
Cousins Layla Bailey and Adrianna Camilo camped and swam this summer
Keeping a watchful eye on the obstacle course, Lady K kept cool in the sun
Colton Brant and his mom he loved hanging with all summer
As the hours of daylight are getting shorter and school supplies line the shelves in stores, those who run the Dudley Brown VFW in Onset had a goal.
"Lets have some fun before they go back to school," Treasurer Naomi Tavares said.
With bounce houses, relay races and haircuts the post at 4 Gibbs Ball Park Road was filled with kids Sunday, Aug. 24. The first of its kind, the Back to School Bash was meant to hit a group the VFW hadn't touched on before.
"We're always doing events every month for the adults, lets do one for the kids," Tavares said.
In an event that took three months to organize, local barbers and hairstylists lent their time for free haircuts and braiding. When the kids weren't in line waiting for a new look, they were outside playing games and jumping on bouncy houses.
Dozens of children flooded the field outside of the VFW to play on inflatable courses and compete in outdoor games while razors buzzed inside. Among arts and crafts, children could also pick up school supplies and toys.
"It's a great feeling because we're always trying to give back to the community, especially the kids," she said. "Getting ready to head back to school — they get a little overwhelmed."
Cousins Adrianna Camilo and Layla Bailey both won stress toys after completing the inflatable obstacle course. After a long summer, the pair said they are excited to go back to school and do the things they love like hang with friends and learn math.
"I like math. Math is easy," Adrianna said.
Other children like Colton Brant were less thrilled to go back to school. He said he prefers staying home during the summer over attending class.
"My favorite thing about summer is being with my mommy," he said.
As more children arrived to have some end of summer fun, Taveres said that it felt great to give back and that watching the event unfold was her favorite part.
"The kids — especially when you see the smiles on their faces," she said. "There's such a long line for haircuts and they're all so excited now to head back to school."
With the success of the first ever Back to School Bash, Taveres said the future is bright.
"We're hoping to do this on a yearly basis now," she said. "We're constantly doing stuff for the veterans, homeless and people in need. Now its time to focus on the kids."
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