Kids and cops returns for 18th year

The 18th Annual Kids and Cops event is scheduled for June 19 from 9 a.m. to noon at Summey Park on Vance Street in Forest City.

The event began in 1997 at Forest City Housing Authority. But as it grew bigger, organizers decided to branch out and include the entire community.

"We have been working on plans for this year's Kids and Cops since mid-January," said Lacey Euten, administrative assistant for the Forest City Police Department. Euten has been in charge of the event for the last eight years.

Just like in previous years, participants can expect again to enjoy a variety of activities offered by law enforcement, first responders and civilian vendors, Euten said.

"There will be bounce houses, free pizzas and drinks," she said. "We had around 1,800 to 2,000 people attend last year, and I began getting phone calls in February or March to see if we had scheduled this year's event."

In addition to fun activities for kids - like a "sprinkle" of water from Forest City Fire Department's deluge gun and slushies - there are also educational booths for parents and caregivers as well.

"We will again have MAMA (Mountain Area Medical Airlift), patients and weather permitting, and Safe Kids of Rutherford County," Euten said. "The BAT Mobile and the ATF bomb truck and robot will also be there."

It is free to attend the event, Euten said, and area daycare centers bring children to the event as a field trip.

"Anyone who comes should show up and get ready to have fun," she said.

The event serves as a way to let children know that first responders are there to help and shouldn't be feared, Euten explained.

"For me the best part of the event is watching the smiles on kids' faces, because you know you've made their day."

For more information about this year's event, contact Euten at 828-245-5555 or visit the Kids and Cops event page on Facebook.