(Lawrenceville, Ga., Oct. 19, 2016) – Hundreds of Gwinnett families will come together at a free Lights On Afterschool rally on Thurs., Oct. 20 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Lenora Park, 4515 Lenora Church Road in Snellville.

Live Healthy Gwinnett will host Walk Among the Stars, a free outdoor Hollywood themed festival that celebrates the importance of afterschool programs. Children and adults who attend this year’s event are encouraged to dress as their favorite movie characters. The event will include enjoying interactive games, hayrides, STEM activities, face painting, inflatables, crafts and more.

Community partners involved in this year’s event include J.M. Tull-Gwinnett Family YMCA, Challenge Island, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta-Strong4Life, GUIDE Inc., Gwinnett County Public Library, Gwinnett 4-H, Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation, Future Men of Distinction, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Learning Hive Kids Club and Gwinnett County Health and Human Services.

“We want to recognize our community partners during this event and the afterschool opportunities they provide year-round,” said Tina Fleming, Director of Community Services. “This event, like other events throughout the nation, is a time to shine a light on the importance of afterschool and community partnerships.”

Gwinnett County’s Walk Among the Stars event will be one of more than 8,000 events across the nation that emphasize the importance of keeping the lights on and the doors open after school. Lights On Afterschool is organized by the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children have access to quality afterschool programs. More information on the Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool and America After 3PM is available at www.afterschoolalliance.org.