Perry’s Academic, Cultural, and Enrichment Services (PACES) program will be hosting a two-day event next week called “Lights On After School.”

PACES Director Mary Hillman says the event is a nationwide observance among after school programs like her’s. It will start on Wednesday with the “Pledges for PACES” walk at the track from 3-5 p.m. Family members, teachers, and community members are encouraged to make a pledge, that can either be a flat donation or a per lap amount. All the proceeds will go directly to PACES, as the program is largely funded through events such as this.

On Thursday, the “Lights On After School” event will be held from 5-6 p.m. in the Perry Elementary multi-purpose room. The entire community is invited to attend and celebrate the 18th year of PACES. Hillman says there will be several activities throughout the night, including some friendly competition. “We have some traditions that we’ve done over the years. We participated in the light bulb coloring contest, which is part of a national contest. That will be for our preschool students through second graders. Then our third graders do a poster contest, and our fourth and fifth graders have to write essays on what PACES means to them and how it has helped them. And I tell you what, the kids do an awesome job. We give awards for those, and it’s always tough to judge, but we do it anonymously just looking at the work.”

The event will also feature guest speakers, a talent show, and a free meal. To learn more about “Lights On After School” and the PACES program, listen to this Tuesday’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.