The twelfth annual Haircutz & Stylez 4 Kidz event Sunday served more than 400 students with either a haircut or a fresh, new hairstyle.

“It was a great day and very successful,” said organizer Michael Fannin. “A lot of kids got served, and a lot of families came out for the event.”

The event offered a way for students entering the new school year to have a free haircut or new hairstyle done by a professional. With 20 barbers and 20 beauticians, families were able to come out and relax while their children were served.

“We also gave out 300 backpacks for the students,” Fannin said. “It was from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and we had to shut the doors at 4 p.m. We probably cut and did hair for another two hours.”

Fannin said that there was plenty of smiling faces, excitement and ‘thank yous’ going around at the event.

“My family even presented me with a community award,” Fannin said.

Fannin will be moving to Dubai in the coming days to teach school overseas but still plans to make sure the event happens every summer.

“Once people found out I was leaving to teach overseas there were a lot of people concerned, but this event will continue,” Fannin said. “It was a nice turnout and a good note to leave on. Now that the event is complete we can focus on packing up and leaving Thursday.”

Fannin said that not only did parents and students have the opportunity to enjoy themselves but also said that all the volunteers had a great time too.

“All the barbers and beauticians had good vibes,” Fannin said. “It takes a good heart, and they came in with good spirits and wanted to contribute. I thank them for that.”

Fannin said the whole event is about the kids and what they could do for them.

“I saw those kids and their faces and I heard a lot of ‘I have been waiting all summer for this,’” Fannin said. “So, you know people were looking forward to it. We just want to do our part.”