Hundreds joined back-to-school party at Springfield Mall
SPRINGFIELD >> Delco News Network and Preit Malls sponsored the third annual Back-to-School Pep Rally, drawing hundreds of local families to Springfield Mall.
Children, parents, grandparents and friends flocked to the mall to celebrate the start of the 2016-17 school year, which will begin within the next several weeks.
The yearly event featured special vendors that included local businesses, arts and crafts and face painting. Complimentary entertainment was featured throughout the day, with music and dance by DJ Dave and Paula Kearny Dance Studio, a sing-along with Makin’ Music and a Robotics Science Show with Wondergy. Additional activities included a “make-your-own bookbag tag” craft with Community Arts Center of Wallingford, face painting by BonBon’s Face Painting and a “decorate dorm safe candle” activity table where kids could decorate battery-operated tealite candles with Washi Tape. To add to the fun, Springfield Mall threw out Pokémon lures for their Pokéstop in Center Court every half hour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the event.
“I’ve come every year since they’ve had this event here,” said Chrissy Cicala, of Glenolden, a teacher at Aronimink Elementary School in Upper Darby. “My son likes the music and experiments in the science shows, and I always pick up some valuable resources and information. It’s a great event!”
This year, some of the participating vendors included Paula Kearney Dance, Pa Cyber Charter School, Pa Charter Leadership, Sears Appliance, Just Kids Learning Center, Bath Savers, Kitchen Savers, Discovery Tree, Today’s Child and Landsdowne Friends School.
“The response this year has been amazing,” remarked art teacher Gail Herring of the Community Arts Center as she helped children make backpack identification tags. “I’ve helped at least 80 to 100 kids at our craft table.”
The first 50 people to RSVP and attend the event received a $10 Preit Malls Reward Card. Springfield Mall also gave as well as at its table.
“The Back-to-School Pep Rally is always a win-win event for everyone,” remarked Rich Crowe, DCNN multi-media sales director. “Participating businesses and other vendors get a huge response because the event is always well-attended and parents and children alike enjoy the wealth of information available, as well as the activities and entertainment. It really is a great way to celebrate the start of a new school year!” out pompoms, store samples