The statewide tax-free holiday may kick off today, but that’s not the only opportunity for parents to take advantage of deals and for students to have some fun.

A number of back-to-school events are being held around Troup County this weekend, and some are planned for after school begins next week.

— Women of the Confidence Missionary Baptist Church are sponsoring a “Back to School Hair Day” which kicks off Sunday with the first haircut at Northside Barber at 715 Ridley Ave. Free haircuts will be given to children by local barbers to get them ready for school. For the location of a participating barber, call (706) 415-2866, (706) 882-2976, (706) 845-1869 or (706) 415-2325.

— Speak In Motion, a local dance troupe, is sponsoring a “Back to School Explosion” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Whites-ville Road Elementary School. Events will include games, food, a performance by the dancers and giveaways of backpacks and school supplies.

— A Kids Expo will mark the tax-free holiday at LaGrange Mall with activities Saturday, with a Belk children’s fashion show at 11 p.m. and a ‘Rising Star’ vocal talent contest from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Winners will perform at the annual Powers’ Festival in Newnan on Sept. 5-7. Vendors at the children’s expo will have information on education, child care, Success By 6, musical opportunities for children, health, safety and recreation activities. The humane society will have pet adoptions at 10 a.m.

— DoSomething.org and Staples are teaming up for the annual “Do Something 101” school supply drive. School supplies collected in LaGrange at the Staples on 240 New Franklin Road will be given to the Boys & Girls Club of West Georgia.

— Several churches have youth activities scheduled Saturday. Faith Believers Ministries at 210 Handley St. holds a youth “back to school” fun day at 10 a.m., while New Beginnings Baptist Church holds a “fun day” for youth at 10 a.m. Creekside Baptist Church at 1589 Stovall Road hold a “back to school bash” for children at 4 p.m. with games and a hamburger/hot dog supper with ice cream.

— The second annual “Back to School Bash” will be from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 15 in downtown West Point, sponsored by the Downtown West Point Development Authority promotions committee. Events along Third Avenue are free to the public. Area high schools will compete for the most school spirit followed by a communitywide street dance. Special entertainment will be provided by Michael Blair.