VALDOSTA, Ga. — Valdosta Mall wants to make preparing for the upcoming school year a bit more exciting, said Tim Nolan, general manager. 

The mall will host a Back-to-School KidsFest, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Aug. 4, in front of its Dallas Wayne store.

The event will feature carnival games, such as a ping pong toss, dart board and a ring toss, Nolan said. Children can win tickets and redeem them for school supplies.

“All games are basically a giveaway,” he said. “The intent is that the kids will win, and they’ll win some school supplies.”

Merchants, such as Carter’s and Zale’s, will offer discounts, Nolan said. KidsFest is being held during Florida’s tax free weekend, so he is hoping to keep the dollars local.

“We just wanted people to have a way to stay in the community and support community retailers,” he said.

Giving back to the community and a fun activity for children are the reasons for the event, Nolan said.

“It’s just an opportunity to reward, and this is an important time to reward kids when families are back-to-school shopping,” he said.

Admission to the festivity is free, and there will be a bounce house, popcorn and face painting. 

Amanda Usher is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. She can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1274.