Florence, South Carolina – Families and community members will gather at the Barnes Street Activity Center on Thursday, October 23, for the 2025 Lights On After School celebration. The event, running from 6 to 8 p.m., aims to highlight the importance of after-school programs and the students who participate in them.
Organizers promise an evening full of energy, featuring games, food, and family-friendly activities designed to bring people together. The celebration emphasizes how after-school programs provide safe, engaging spaces for children to learn, play, and grow beyond the regular school day.
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Adding to the excitement, the first 300 attendees will receive free hot dogs and popcorn. Community leaders encourage families to arrive early to enjoy the food and take part in the festivities.
The Barnes Street Activity Center, located at 513 Barnes Street, will serve as the hub for this annual event. The celebration is part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the role of after-school programs in supporting education, creativity, and social development.
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Local officials say the event is more than just a gathering — it’s a reminder of what can happen when communities invest in youth opportunities. As the slogan goes, when the lights are on after school, great things truly happen.
