BOARDMAN, Ohio - Back-to-school season is fast approaching, and the Southern Park Mall is getting ready to provide students, teachers and parents with many ways to celebrate a new school year by hosting a variety of events

Starting on Monday, Aug. 2, Southern Park Mall will extend its shopping hours to 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday. This will coincide with Tax-Free Weekend taking place Aug. 6-8, where shoppers can take care of all their back-to-school needs tax-free.

In addition, the mall will also be hosting the KidX Club Back to School Party on Aug. 6 starting at 11 a.m. at the Hibbett Sports store. The event will feature a balloon artist, a grab-and-go craft, candy and sweets courtesy of Shelby's Sugar Shop and more. The event is free, but donations to the Stuff the Bus Program is encouraged. 

The Stuff the Bus Drive will take place from Aug. 9 through Sept 6. Guests are encouraged to donate a variety of school supplies at the town center to benefit school districts within the local community. Guests can find the Stuff the Bus activation in Center Court. 

Southern Park Mall General Manager, Brian Gabbert said he is excited to prepare the community for this upcoming school year.

"This school year will be especially memorable as many students return to in-person learning, and at Southern Park Mall, we want to support guests and offer ways to celebrate the start of an exciting new year in the classroom," Gabbert said.