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Children and parents on the East Side celebrated what may be a new rite of summer, the Annual Ward 4 Back to School Bash Saturday at the William Clements Center at 8155 E. Poinciana Drive.

The event, which more than 2,000 people attended, was hosted by Tucson City Councilwoman Shirley Scott and members of the Ward 4 council staff and went from 7 a.m. until noon.

The bash included a bicycle safety course, jumping castle, fingerprinting by the Tucson Police Officers Association, a pancake breakfast prepared by Tucson police officers and firefighters, and free school supplies and backpacks.

Prizes for a free raffle included bicycles, computers, more school supplies and games for children and adults.

Education information was available from Pima Community College as well as other agencies.

"We had people lining up before 6 a.m.," said organizer Renee Sowards, Scott's senior aide.

Sowards estimated the bash drew 500 more participants than last year's event, bringing the total attendance to around 2,200.

"It fills a great need and for the most part, everyone is grateful," Sowards said.

That sentiment was echoed by Kellie Winfield, 15, an incoming sophomore at Santa Rita High School.

"They always help families that can use new school supplies," Winfield said. "It's always a lot of fun and pretty cool that they have a lot of stuff."

As for Sowards, she expected to take a day off from thinking about the bash.

Then, she said, "on Monday morning I start planning for year nine."