The City of Alexandria held its annual Back to School Bash at the Randolph Riverside Center on Monday, July 28. The center was packed as thousands of students and their families received free backpacks, pencils, notebooks and other school supplies. The City of Alexandria was joined by over 25 partners such as the school board, fire and police departments, local businesses, non-profits, and community service groups in sponsoring the event.

The parish School Board’s Literacy Bus made an appearance and was stuffed with free books for children.to put into their new backpacks. The Back to School Bash was a true community effort with the city, the police and fire departments, area businesses and volunteer groups ranging from the Central Louisiana Pan-Hellenic Council to the C.E. Ladd No 80 Masonic Lodge and Jack and Jill Association gave of themselves to give our area’s children a good start to the school year. The CENLA Juvenile Officers Association served up hot dogs and snacks to the children as they left the event.

The 2025 Back to School Bash was an unqualified success and a wonderful way to prepare for the upcoming school year!