The APPLE afterschool program is participating in a nationwide program called Lights on After School today, in hopes of showing parents how much afterschool programs are needed.

“This is a nationwide program that the National Afterschool Alliance holds every year,” APPLE director Barbara Tyler said. “It is a way to get parents into the program and show them what we do.”

There will be four activities in which students can participate, an obstacle course in the gym for children to compete with their parents, a photo booth with props, face painting and a cupcake walk.

Currently, APPLE has 191 students that participate in the afterschool program.

“The kids will already be there when the event starts,” Tyler said. “So we are hoping that a lot of parents come and see that this is a safe place for their children after school.”

The Andalusia High School color guard and cheerleaders will help with the event.

“We have this event to help promote afterschool program funding,” Tyler said. “We want to show the parents exactly what their money is going to. They will be able to walk around different classrooms and see the science lab and computer lab.”

The Lights on Afterschool event will be at the Woodson Learning Center from 4 p.m., until 5:30 p.m.

“I also want to thank the city for keeping us open,” Tyler said. “What we do is really all about the future of our students.”