Tax-free weekend meant more than just saving a little less than 10 percent on purchases made in Hazelwood, it also meant hundreds of students, parents, teachers and administrators from throughout the area gathered at St. Louis Mills Mall on Saturday for the Hazelwood School District's annual Back-to-School Fair.

"We purposefully chose tax-free weekend so parents and students can come here then go and do some shopping," said Diana Gulotta, the district's assistant superintendent for communications. "The Mills has been very helpful and accommodating."

The corridor of the mall between Cabelas and The Children's Place was lined with tables for each school in the district, along with special programs such as Early Childhood Development, Galactic and the Parent-Teacher Association.

"It gets people out in the community to see what our schools are about," said Renee Benjamin, mother of a Hazelwood Central High School student and a PTA member. "It also gives the kids a chance to present themselves to representatives from their schools."

Diana Anderson, the mother of a fourth-grader at Russell Elementary, scanned the school's table.

"We're trying to make sure we have the information that the kids need," she said.

Robbie Flowers-Chaney, the mother of two students at Hazelwood West High School, said she was ready for the school year to begin.

"It's motivation to start the school year off," she said of the event. "This is just the jump-start."

Parents also had the opportunity to receive information about uniform policies, school supplies, clubs and activities. There were also district departments booths regarding transportation, child nutrition services and residency.

In addition, several groups from various schools within the district performed for the crowd, including the Hazelwood West High School Pridettes dance team, Hazelwood Central High School cheerleaders and the Hazelwood East High School dance team.

"(The fair) gets people excited about the new school year," said Nez Savala, communications specialist for the school district. "We're not just here for the kids, but to be a part of the community."

Hazelwood School District schools begin the new school year Aug. 15.