top of page

Potomac Festival Back to School Recap 🎒🎶

School Spirit, Laughter, and Community Magic!  

On August 2, 2025, the Potomac Festival came alive as families gathered to celebrate the upcoming school year at the Back to School Event. This exciting day was a blend of fun, connection, and preparation, making sure students were ready to hit the books with both confidence and style. From the much-loved 100 Backpack Blitz Giveaway to the exhilarating School Supply Treasure Hunt, every detail was designed to bring smiles to the faces of both kids and parents.

If you missed this incredible event, here’s everything you need to know about what made it such a standout day—and why you won’t want to miss the next one.

Backpack Blitz & Smiling Faces 🎒✨


The centerpiece of the event was the 100 Backpack Blitz Giveaway, where the first hundred attendees received brand-new backpacks filled with essential school supplies. Excited kids lined up early, their joy overflowing as they picked out their favorite styles. From bright colors to playful designs, each child left the table with a backpack that fit their personality—and a little extra confidence for the school year ahead.

Though the backpacks were claimed quickly, the fun didn’t stop there. The Guest Services table transformed into a cheerful pencil and sticker station, making sure that every child left with something to remember the day by. One parent shared, “It’s so great to see local events like this—my daughter was so excited to get her new backpack, and it’s a weight off my shoulders to know she has what she needs to start school.”

Treasure Hunt Adventure 🗺️📚

Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt? The School Supply Treasure Hunt was the star activity of the day, challenging families to explore the festival and visit participating merchants to collect an array of school supplies. With maps in hand, children and parents partnered up to find everything from pencils to notebooks, adding an extra layer of adventure to the event.

The merchants brought their A-game with creative setups and fun giveaways. Here are some highlights from the Treasure Hunt stops:

  • Sky Zone handed out colorful pencils.

  • Ooh Soo Chicken provided handy sharpeners.

  • SwimKids Swim School delighted kids with classic crayons.

  • Bricks & Minifigs gifted composition notebooks and index cards.

  • Paisanos passed out bold markers.

  • Waters End Brewery shared eraser tops.

  • Ku Tea offered stylish pencil pouches to keep it all organized.

  • Texas Steakhouse set up an engaging booth with pink erasers, #2 pencils, and their mascot, Andy the Armadillo, charming families with photo opportunities and big hugs!

The treasure hunt wasn’t just about gathering supplies; it created a sense of community and fun as families navigated the festival together. One mom recounted, “My daughter had a blast going to each table. The scavenger hunt made it feel like a celebration instead of just a supply pickup!”

Lively Tunes & Lots of Smiles 🎶💃

The vibrant energy of the day was powered by the incredible DJ Reina, who spun family-friendly tracks that kept the mood upbeat and the plaza buzzing. Kids danced around, parents swayed to the rhythm, and the music seemed to add just the right touch of joy to every activity.


With Andy the Armadillo making his rounds and snapping photos with kids, the plaza felt like a true summer party. Families lingered by the booths, enjoying the warm 80-degree weather and creating memories they’ll remember long past the school year’s start.

One guest summed it up perfectly, saying, “The music, the mascot, and all the energy made this such a fun experience! We stayed way longer than we planned because there was just so much to do.”


Community Connections & Lessons Learned 🤝

This event wasn’t just about the excitement; it was about strengthening ties within the community. Merchants came together to deliver an unforgettable experience for attendees, showing the powerful impact of collaboration.

While the event saw success, there were some valuable takeaways. For future treasure hunts, extending participation opportunities past the main backpack giveaway could be a great way to engage families who arrive later. Offering secondary incentives, like a smaller prize bundle or themed baskets, would ensure every family feels included in the fun.


Save the Date for the Next Potomac Festival Event! 📅


The Potomac Festival Back to School Event wasn’t just an afternoon of giveaways and games—it was a reminder of just how special it is when a community comes together. From the merchants’ generosity to the joy on children’s faces, every detail came together to create a morning to remember.

If you couldn’t make it this time, don’t worry. There’s always something exciting around the corner at Potomac Festival! Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates on future events and activities. Whether it’s celebrating the changing seasons, bringing families together, or sparking smiles with unique experiences, Potomac Festival is your go-to destination for community fun.

Here’s to another year of laughter, learning, and memories waiting to be made. We can’t wait to see you at the next event! 🎉


Comments


bottom of page