ATHOL — In an effort to lessen back-to-school anxiety and provide families with resources and information before the start of the school year, the Athol-Royalston Regional School District is hosting a back-to-school barbecue event at Fish Park on Aug. 22, at 5 p.m.

“We wanted to do a back-to-school event to get children excited, families excited about the start of school,” said Shirley Mitchell, the Family and Community Center Director. “Parents can get all the stuff they need to start the school [year] off, and ease some nerves and tension, and have fun at the same time, together.”

Nearly 30 local businesses and organizations worked together to provide free school supplies, raffle prizes and food at the event. Additionally, there will be a petting zoo, music, photo booth and games. A bus will be available to explore for first-time riders who are uneasy about making the trip to school.

Mitchell added that there also will be information about community resources, including Big Brothers Big Sisters and Clinical and Support Options.

“[We will be] just getting kids excited, knowing why attendance is so important, and giving parents information about how they can also get involved,” Mitchell said.

The idea behind the event was to share information with the community about the start of school, as well as providing resources for issues that may prohibit attendance.

“It’s just everybody coming together and recognizing the importance and excitement of getting kids ready to start the school year,” Mitchell noted. “We’re excited, we’re looking forward to it. And now we’re just focusing on trying to get the word out there to families, as many places as we can.”