In Washington state, the first day of school for grades 1-12 is Sept. 2, while the first day of school for preschool and kindergarten is Tuesday, Sept. 8. That means families have about three weeks to squeeze in most remaining summer activities.

Be sure to mark your calendars with upcoming events courtesy of United Way of King County grantees. They include the 4th Annual East African Heritage Festival, a free event organized by East African Community Services, to be held on Aug. 15 at 20812 International Blvd in SeaTac, beginning at 2 PM.

East African Community Services says the East African Heritage Festival celebrates the heritage, traditions, and contributions of East African communities in Seattle and King County. It features cultural performances and music, food and drink vendors from across East Africa, as well as clothing, crafts, and resource vendors. Contact the EACS Events Team at emussa@eastafricancs.org for details.

In addition to the East African Heritage Festival, here are other events coming courtesy of United Way grantees:

• Rainer Beach Action Coalition’s 23^rd Back2School Bash! The free Back2School Bash is Rainer Beach Action Coalition’s way to help students in Rainier Beach succeed in school! The Back2School Bash provides free backpacks to students as well as family resources and fun activities. For more information, click here.
• Seattle Indian Services Commission will host its Community Art Market – Connecting Through Culture on August 22 at the future site of its Native Village & Gateway project (606 12th Ave S. in Seattle). The Community Art Market is free and open to the public, offering a chance to check out a new set of murals that celebrate Indigenous cultures. The event will also feature Indigenous artists and vendors, as well as those from the area’s Little Saigon neighborhood. For more information, click here.
• Urban Native Education Alliance is hosting the Billy Mills Run/Walk for Life on August 30 at North Seattle College. The free event features a visit by Olympian Billy Mills (Oglala), live music, presentations by speakers, and other entertainment. For more information, click here.
• Education With a Purpose for Pacific Islanders will host its Family Appreciation Day & Back-to-School Event on August 14 at West Fenwick Park in Kent. The free event will feature food, games, prizes, and family fun, and will offer $100 Student Support Stipends to qualifying students. For more information, click here.

The aforementioned grantees are members of United Way’s Equity Fund groups, coalitions of neighborhood-based organizations that work together with United Way funding to help build an equitable future. To learn more about our Equity Fund, click here.