Bennington Night Out Marks 9th Year With Backpack Giveaway

Local families gathered at Lower Willow Park on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, for the ninth annual Back2School Celebration, Backpack Giveaway, and Bennington Night Out. As reported by the Bennington Banner, the event brought our area together to help students prepare for the upcoming school year with essential supplies and community resources.

The annual gathering offered local children and parents an afternoon filled with entertainment, free services, and opportunities to connect with neighbors and emergency personnel.

Backpacks, Haircuts, and Family Fun

Organizers distributed approximately 350 brightly colored backpacks stuffed with school supplies to local students on a first-come, first-served basis. Event highlights included:

• Free food, including hot dogs, snacks, and cotton candy.
• Complimentary haircuts and hair braiding for children.
• Family games, interactive booths, and appearances by costumed Star Wars stormtroopers.

Connecting With First Responders

Held in conjunction with National Night Out, the event featured police vehicles, fire trucks, and municipal equipment on display. The interactive exhibits aimed to promote community safety while building positive relationships between local residents and emergency service personnel.

Community Support and Sponsorship

The event was co-produced by the Bennington Banner, Fina Auto Mall, the Bennington Police Department, and the National Police Association.

Several local businesses and community organizations contributed to the effort, including MSK Engineers, United Counseling Service, Heritage Family Credit Union, Southwest Vermont Supervisory Union, Mission City Church, Hannaford Supermarkets, Ocean State Job Lot, and Staples.

How This Affects Our Area

The annual giveaway provides practical relief for local families preparing for school expenses while strengthening ties across Bennington County ahead of the new academic year.

Sources

• https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMihgJBVV95cUxNWG1ZSlVkZFRsZHFCcjFnaFdpMFJ2NWhjMGRzSHFUNGRqTG9mSHpfV0FMemx4T3VTaUlpU0huS2dXVzZ3X21IY0R3NU16SFRZZU1XOHMwY1JOdU1lWFM1b2VRY2NFLU42NDBHSnNKQjdnNUZvLUo3cTJoNnZiMm9GeTl6Z2ZsbmFpaDVBd2p1ZlNhR3JLQ3dhQk5WWURMNDkzSnZXM3hqUUFyOTVfWE1oMjF3QzkwaXRSVHFfZjlTVlNpeGNmMWxFWWRhN3BPbDJvM0xOY3RtcmZoeXVvRVVhd2YzNDFndEkyVDRvcTFla1VxanV4QVQ2ejJaM3czQVRQeXRIVkZn?oc=5
• https://www.facebook.com/benningtonbanner
• https://allevents.in/bennington/back-2-school-backpack-giveaway-and-national-night-out/200028468745811
• https://benningtonvt.org/national-night-out-community-picnic-august-2-lower-willow-park
• Religion News in Brief for the Weekend of Aug. 8-9 – Bennington Banner
• Vermont Primary: Q&A with Aly Richards, Democratic candidate for governor – Bennington Banner
• Vermont Primary: Q&A with Amanda Janoo, Democratic candidate for governor – Bennington Banner
• Civil Air Patrol promotes two cadets – Bennington Banner

This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.