The event is the Back to School Block Party hosted by the Community Health Center of Fort Dodge and Upper Des Moines Opportunity Inc.

The main event, featuring a free meal, activities and booths with information from local agencies, is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the parking lot behind the health center building at 126 N. 10th St.

But well-child checks and other health services will be offered throughout the day.

The center’s staff will provide free well-child checks, immunizations, sports physicals, and dental exams.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., those services will be provided by appointment only. To make an appointment, call (515) 576-6500.

From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the various health services will be offered on a walk-in basis with no appointment necessary.

“At 5 p.m. is when the real party starts,” said Regina Suhrbier, outreach coordinator at Community Health Center. “Businesses and organizations will be set up with booths of activities. From free socks to games and an inflatable, it will be a fun event for all.”

“We have the Webster County Pork Producers grilling and will serve a free meal that starts at 5 p.m.” said Dianna Georg, outreach specialist for Upper Des Moines Opportunity. “The meal includes a pork burger, baked beans, chips and a cookie. The meal is made possible by local businesses donating the food and drinks.”

During the evening event, qualifying families will be able to pick up backpacks filled with school supplies from Upper Des Moines Opportunity Inc. To apply for a backpack, call (515) 576-7774.