Wesley Chapel families scrambling for school supplies before classes start Thursday, Aug. 13, have two community events on the calendar this week and next.

A free Back-to-School Bash takes place Saturday, Aug. 8, at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Organizers are distributing more than 100 backpacks filled with grade-level supplies to K-12 students, while supplies last. The event also features music, bounce houses, face painting, food and local vendors, according to an Eventbrite listing and The Wesley Chapel Loop.

The giveaway is one of several back-to-school efforts across Wesley Chapel this month. On Aug. 1, Life Church and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel distributed 450 pairs of new shoes and backpacks to nearly 1,000 children at the church's annual outreach event, the Laker/Lutz News reported.

"The climate we're living in, the economy, so many families are making sacrifices. This shouldn't have to be one of them," Earl Watson, a volunteer from AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, told the Laker/Lutz News on Aug. 4 about that earlier event.

Pasco County's first day of school falls Thursday, Aug. 13, giving families five days from Saturday's bash to get kids ready.

Market Elaine rescheduled to Aug. 14

Separately, The Market Elaine, the popular first-Friday evening market at The Grove, has been rescheduled from its original Aug. 7 date to Friday, Aug. 14, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd. The rescheduling was announced by The Wesley Chapel Loop; earlier event calendars, including the Tampa Bay Beacons, still listed the original Aug. 7 date.

The market draws more than 150 local artisans, makers and small businesses selling handmade goods, unique gifts and specialty products. Live music, a bounce house, face painting, henna artists and pet adoptions round out the evening.

Also on Saturday, Aug. 8, Collide Community at Avalon Park (4110 Avalon Park Blvd.) is hosting a separate free Back 2 School Bash starting at 11 a.m. with games, activities and community connection.

What's ahead

  • Saturday, Aug. 8: Free Back-to-School Bash, Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
  • Saturday, Aug. 8: Collide Community Back 2 School Bash, 4110 Avalon Park Blvd., 11 a.m.
  • Thursday, Aug. 13: Pasco County Schools first day of classes
  • Friday, Aug. 14: The Market Elaine, The Grove, 6013 Wesley Grove Blvd., 5:30–9:30 p.m.