Before the cut: Barber Tawrence Dujour and River Corbett, 9. Photo by Linda Haas.

River reacts to Tawrence brushing away stray hairs.

Dozens of Waltham youngsters got free haircuts from Mobar Cuts — the barber to Boston’s sports celebrities — at this year’s “Rock The School Year” event Thursday afternoon.

Blue tents, tables groaning under the weight of hair products, food vendors and face painters transformed Embassy Park into a mini-carnival celebrating the new school year. Waltham public schools begin the fall term Wednesday, Sept. 2.

“I’m from Waltham and was one of these kids back then,” said Candido “Coco” Fernandez, who owns Mobar Cuts. “I know what it’s like to want a fresh haircut. And for me, it’s a way to stay connected to my community.”

Village Bank sponsored the event. Many of the bank’s employees donate time to civic, educational and charitable organizations.

Vendors and pop-ups included Brelundi, Common Good, Dylan & Pete’s Ice Cream Truck, Shopper’s Cafe, Gustazo Cuban Cuisine, In a Pickle, Joco’s Bar & Kitchen and Ya Mother’s Truck n’ Kitchen.