MARION – The Franklin-Williamson Positive Youth Development Action Team will host a free Back to School Expo at the Pavilion on Sioux Drive in Marion Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Carrie Eldridge is with University of Illinois Extension. She says the event will help parents get their kids ready for school and it’s for Kindergarten through 12th grade students.

Eldridge mentions the sponsors who have made this event possible.

Eldridge says over 4,000 people took advantage of the Back to School Expo last year and expects more this year due to the economy.

The event is not just for southern Illinois parents and students. Anyone from Illinois, Missouri and Kentucky are invited to attend according to Eldridge.

You need to pre-register your student before attending the expo. Students must be present to receive items. All items are first come first served. Pre-registered families will enter the event at 9 a.m. Onsite/same day registered families will enter at or after 9:30 a.m. Medical appointments are now full.

To learn more about the expo and to register, visit www.sischoolexpo.com.