Rock the Block event slated for August 16

By Allyson Dix, Managing Editor/Barren County Progress

Local non-profit aims to help students with free supplies, laptop raffle

This Saturday, the Old Timers Reunion is hosting a back-to-school bash, Rock the Block for students and their parents in both Glasgow and Barren County school districts. The fun will kick off at 10 a.m. and run through 2 p.m. on the Glasgow Public Square.

This free event is open to students in grades K-12 where 200 backpacks will be given away filled with school supplies. While there, be sure to register for a free raffle drawing for five Chromebook laptops!

Also planned is a live DJ for music, free BBQ, bouncy houses, and special guests, the Glasgow Scotties football team and head coach Jackson Arnett.

The mission for Rock the Block is to ensure every child in school has access to tools they need to succeed. Expanding support beyond their Shoes & Clothing Program for basic clothing essentials, the nonprofit aims to help promote academic success and eliminate barriers to student achievement by connecting community generosity with real, tangible support.

The Old Timers Reunion has a long history in Glasgow, dating back to around 50 years ago. What started off as just an annual reunion for former and current Glasgow residents to enjoy a day of food, fun, and fellowship has turned into a local 501(c)3 non-profit organization geared at helping community members.

Chairman of the Old Timers Reunion, Barrett Wright, said the original reunion started out at Donnellys Park every Labor Day weekend until about 20 years ago when it eventually dissolved.

In 2021, Wright, Bernard Francis, and Nathan Allen formed a steering committee, bringing back the Old Timers Reunion but with even more purpose.

“We turned it into a local, nonprofit charity that seeks to give back to those in need in the community from seniors and youth, and really the society at large,” Wright said.

This year’s Rock the Block is the group’s first ever back-to-school bash and depending on how this year’s event goes, Wright said the committee, who meets two times each month, may decide to host another one in the future.

“We’re going to see how it goes Saturday, and when we meet again and go over the details to see if they want to do something again, and if that’s what they want to do, I think yes would be the answer to that question,” Wright said.

Wright also said the Old Timers are grateful for their sponsors in helping the first Rock the Block event to be possible, especially Houchens Food Group, which is this year’s title sponsor.

And those old time reunions? They’re also back.

Wright said the Old Timers Reunion will take place on August 30 at Twyman Park starting at 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. The reunion is packed with something for everyone, including food trucks, retail vendors, bouncy houses, water slides, cornhole, and cash and door prize giveaways. Twyman Park is located at 301 Bunche Avenue in Glasgow.

The best part? Everyone is welcome!

On August 29, Tyrone Dunn & Kin-Folk will be performing at the Historic Plaza Theatre in Glasgow. Ticket proceeds will benefit the Old Timers Reunion and more information can be found on historicplaza.com for the show.

Donations are still welcome for the back-to-school Rock the Block bash or the nonprofit in general. For more information, call Bernard Francis at 270-404-1131 or visit www.otrglasgow.org. The Old Timers Reunion website also has more information on the organization and the missions they support.