Thousands of people stood in the heat Thursday to get free school supplies and all sorts of other services before their kids head back to class.
The Dallas Mayor's Back To School Fair for low-income families happened on one of the hottest days of the year.
"It's hot. It's 110 degrees during the day, so I'd rather be here while it's still cool and wait," said Eisha Montgomery, mother of school children.
But it was hardly "cool." Even before the sun came up, the temperature broke 90 degrees.
"I'm hot but I'm excited. Anything for my kids," said another mother, Felicia Willis. "This is my first time here, and I heard that it'd be crowded, of course, so I got up at three something this morning."
The earliest people to arrive at Fair Park camped out all night, quenching their thirst with water and other drinks and fanning themselves. Even Mayor Mike Rawlings got up early. He was dancing with the kids and watching entertainers on stage.
"I didn't know I was going to do aerobics this morning, but it's good, especially with these kids. They're so cute. Going back to school is so important for this city. And lifting these kids up is a real blessing," said Mayor Rawlings.
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Once the doors opened to the Centennial and Automobile Buildings, children were treated to everything they need to go back to school, from immunizations to haircuts.
"It's a lot helpful since the economy is so bad right now. Every little bit helps," said Sandra Caballero, a mother of four.
The city and company sponsors gave out school supplies required by Dallas public schools, as well as health and vision screenings. For the first time, kids who need glasses got a free pair.
"I feel wonderful for getting my glasses," said Brandon Delgado, 9.
