Greensburg Salem to celebrate school spirit with bash at Offutt Field

The Greensburg Salem School District is inviting the community to celebrate local school pride at a Back to School Bash Wednesday at Greensburg’s Offutt Field.

Admission is free for the event, which is slated for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Urania Avenue and Laird Street.

It will take place just under a week before students will return to their classrooms for the fall semester, on Tuesday, Aug. 30.

The Greensburg Salem Marching Band and high school choir will provide entertainment.

Activities will include karaoke, yard games and sports, a selfie station, a rock climbing wall, children’s crafts, face painting and a student artist market.

Those attending are encouraged to show their Greensburg Salem spirit by wearing the school colors — brown, white and gold.

“We want to get better integrated with our community,” said Ashley Kertes, who is in charge of community outreach as associate administrator to the district superintendent. “We’d like to make this a yearly event.”

Greensburg Salem teachers will take turns risking a soaking in a dunk tank. Time also will be set aside to recognize the achievements of outstanding teachers and students.

The high school Mini-THON committee will hold its annual cornhole tournament to raise money for the fight against pediatric cancer and to support children and families affected by the disease. There is a fee of $20 per team to participate; email gsminithon@gmail.com.

More than 20 area organizations will be on hand to share information about their programs. From Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region to the YWCA of Westmoreland County, they include human service providers, educational institutions, arts organizations and public safety units.

“We believe that community support is directly linked to the strength of our schools and the success of our students,” said district Superintendent Ken Bissell. “This event will celebrate what we hope will be an amazing start to the new school year while connecting students, parents and staff with valuable resources available through our numerous community organizations.”

The Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department will provide free hot dogs and snacks. Other food and refreshments will be available for purchase from food trucks.

The Back to School Bash expands on a similar event that was planned last year but was canceled because of rain. If inclement weather threatens this year’s festivities, they will be rescheduled for Thursday, Aug. 25.

A shuttle bus to Offutt Field will be provided for those who prefer to park at the high school.