Cops and Kids Picnic: free carnival-type fun for families
- Charity Fitch
- Aug 23, 2023
- 2 min read
The annual Cops and Kids Picnic, a completely free event for families in the community and hosted by the Waxahachie Police Department, returns from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 15, at Getzendaner Park.
“I would almost compare it to a carnival where kids are just laughing and having a blast the whole time,” community services officer James “J.T.” Taylor said. “There’s going to be so many things for them to do. It’s also a good chance to interact with the police and meet a ton of us, hang out with us and play tons and tons of games.”
The event’s main attraction is a raffle-drawing that gives away 75-100 bicycles to children in attendance. While waiting to hear if they win a bicycle, children can enjoy the many activities available.
These include a 25-animal petting zoo, an 878 Airsoft obstacle course, face painting, the Sims Library bookmobile, the YMCA’s Mobile Y Tech Hub, three bounce houses, two obstacle course bounce houses and more.
DJ Alexx will be playing music the entire event, and around noon, Air Evac Lifeteam will land its helicopter near the park. Tow Pro Wrecker Service will have several of their wrecker trucks onsite. A variety of vendors, including H-E-B and local churches, will have booths set up with games and giveaways.
A free lunch of hot dogs, chips, snacks and more will be served, and free water and sports drinks will be handed out throughout the picnic.
The event offers a way for kids and their families to connect with police officers.
“A lot of times, a kid may have a negative perception of police, and this can help clear the air and show kids they can come see us and talk to us,” Taylor said. “We’re very approachable. Maybe, it breaks a little bit of that stigma to help solidify those good solid, genuine relationships with police.”
Taylor encourages attendees to dress for the weather and to bring sunscreen. There will be no water bounce houses, so families do not have to bring swimsuits.
The event is made free because of the help of many community sponsors, Taylor said.
For more information, follow @WaxahachiePoliceDepartment on Facebook.
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