As summer draws to a close and the back-to-school season approaches, The Ranger and Northwest Airlifter newspapers are partnering with Capital Mall in Olympia to throw a big Salute to Military, Back to School Bash! Happening  this Saturday from noon to 5 p.m., the day will be all about honoring military families and giving them a fun filled day, before heading back to school.

This FREE Salute to Military, Back-to-School event promises an array of activities catering to various age groups and interests. Glitter tattoos, balloon artists, bounce house, carnival games, face painting and even family caricatures will all be there to provide the fun. Best of all, it's all free! 

Brainy Actz will also be on site with targets to allow kids to give their best shots at archery!

The event will take place in the Macy's Court, Food Court and the Shoe Department Court. All event activities will be inside the mall to give families an opportunity to beat the heat and have some fun!

As the event coincides with the end of summer vacation, it also serves as an ideal occasion to kickstart the excitement for the new school year. Families are encouraged to get their back to school shopping done, with many businesses offering military discounts!

"A number of local businesses are joining the day, too, bringing fun giveaways and prizes for local military kids," said Ken Swarner, publisher of The Ranger and NW Airlifter. "We all are passionate about showing local military families that the community understands their hardships - we want to say thank you by giving them some fun family things to do at no charge whatsoever."

Also, with tons of new military families to the area there is no better time to meet other military families and familiarize yourself with all the Capital Mall has to offer. 

This event runs open house style, so plan to stop by the Capital Mall in Olympia this Saturday, Aug. 19 anytime from noon to 5 p.m. to join in on the fun! 

FREE SALUTE TO MILTARY, BACK TO SCHOOL BASH, noon to 5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 19, Capital Mall, 625 Black Lake Blvd., Olympia.