BUCYRUS—Bucyrus businesses are “rallying” around kids this year for the South of the Square Block Rally.

The 12th annual event is slated for Friday, June 24, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Schines Art Park downtown.

Proceeds will go toward the Bucyrus Backpack Program, which provides weekend meals for students in need during the school year.

“We’re super excited this year with the Bucyrus Backpack Program, especially being geared towards kids, students,” said Melissa Miller of Mizik Miller & Co., who is organizing the Block Rally again for the local accounting firm.

Nearly 50 Bucyrus area businesses are participating in this year’s community event, Miller said. For a donation to the Backpack Program, those attending will also get lunch – a hotdog or bratwurst sandwich, chips, cookie, and a beverage.

At noon that day, favorite cartoon characters dressed in costume will return to the streets to “meet and greet” youngsters, Miller said. As an added treat, Mark’s Homemade Ice Cream will be served from the company’s familiar red firetruck.

Plenty of games and activities will also be set up for children, Miller said, including a ring toss and nine-hole miniature golf. Many of the prizes have been donated by businesses, who will be showcasing their products and services during the rally.

“I think this is going to be an amazing event,” Miller said. “I think all of the businesses here really enjoy this little event we do every year. It brings everyone together.”

The rally – started by Mizik Miller back in 2010 – began with just a small cook-out on Sandusky Avenue.

It was a way to draw residents downtown when stores were open, but the roads were closed, as well as support a non-profit organization, Miller said.

The Bucyrus Backpack Program, run entirely by volunteers, started in 2010 at Bucyrus Elementary School but has grown since then to include students in most of Crawford County’s public and parochial schools and Fairway-Waycraft, Miller said.

Last year, the program served 12,000 “bags,” each one consisting of two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners, and a variety of snacks, she said. One weekend this year, Miller said, they set a record handing out a total of 418 bags of food.

“We’re looking forward to another successful year,” Miller said. “I feel it just continues to grow. We collect more and more every year and it’s great to give back to the community.”