BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — Hundreds of students left Sertoma Park with backpacks full of supplies at this year’s Back-to-School-a-Palooza.

The one-day event helped families get ready for the school year by handing out free school supplies like notebooks, pencils, glue sticks, and pens.

There were free haircuts, a chance to catch up on back-to-school immunizations, and even booths warning about the dangers of tobacco and vaping.

“It’s hard work but it’s heart work,” said Tomi Cimarosti, Indian Education Director for Bismarck Public Schools. “We know that we’re sending them to school not only prepared, but parents like to see the relief on their faces as they walk through.”

The event was hosted by the Sacred Pipe Resource Center, in collaboration with Bismarck and Mandan Public Schools, the

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