Columnist Muriel Stevens: Students enroll in shop class

Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004 | 8:09 a.m.

Back-to-school shopping ... if the very thought evokes deep sighs, fret not. A variety of stores are ready and willing to help.

College-bound students can find dorm accessories galore at Linens n' Things, Bed, Bath & Beyond and the Container Store. The latter offers assistance by providing a list to be checked off as you shop.

Most college-age teens would prefer doing their own shopping, so set the budget and turn them loose.

Back to school at Meadows mall: Meadows mall at 4300 Meadows Lane will host a Back-to-School Fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday (Boulevard Mall had its fair last Saturday). Meadows mall will join the Clark County School District and KVBC Channel 3 to offer families all of the information they will need for the school year.

Parents will find zoning, busing and registration information readily available. The Clark County Health District will be offering immunizations for $15. In addition, several local child- and school-related organizations will be available to answer questions and prepare students for the upcoming school sessions.

For more information call Meadows mall at 878-3331.

Back-to-school shenanigans at Galleria at Sunset: Get into school mode Saturday and Sunday at Galleria at Sunset. A two-day Pop 'n Style is planned for shoppers. From noon to 5 p.m. Saturday go to Center Court. Pop 'n open a prize and automatically become a VIP at the Pop 'n Style fashion show Sunday.

VIPs are automatically entered to pop 'n win one of four $250 shopping sprees. Each VIP will receive a ticket to the fashion show, as well as a goodie bag filled with gifts from merchants at Galleria at Sunset.

At 1 p.m. Sunday visit the Food Court, where fashion stylist James Campbell will perform makeovers, including a few surprise "ambush" makeovers for unsuspecting shoppers. It's a reality show live at Galleria at Sunset! Campbell will also reveal his fashion trends for fall. Local entertainer Todd Joseph will perform during the fashion show.

For more info call 434-0202.

Backpacks and kids: No child should be burdened with a backpack larger than he or she is. I found few backpacks suitable for small children during my shopping excursions. Look in children's departments and children's stores to find the best selection. There were a few in the Target store at Maryland Parkway and Flamingo Road, but they're probably gone by now.

Don't give up.

Child-size suitcases with wheels can be found everywhere. They're a good substitute for a backpack, and kids love them.

Campbell Soup Company $100,000 essay contest: Campbell's Soup Company will make one lucky high school student's dream of going to college a possibility. All it takes is an essay describing, "How does your American Dream compare to that of your parents?"

The essay contest started Sunday and will end Nov. 30.

Teenagers 13 to 18 years who are in grades 9 to 12 across the country are eligible. Details and rules can be found on www.campbellsdreams.com.