ELIZABETHTOWN — The Elizabethtown Police Department will be kidding around soon, when it holds its 12th annual Kids Appreciation Day on May 5.
“The main mission of Kids Appreciation Day is to get kids and parents to interact with the emergency personnel in a friendly environment,” said Elizabethtown Police Department Lt. Lonnie Cheshire.
In conjunction with the Elizabethtown Fire Department, the Police Department is currently seeking sponsors for this year’s event. Any business that assists with donations will receive recognition through event signage and advertising, in addition to being mentioned by the emcee during Kids Appreciation Day. Anyone willing to help may contact Lt. Chad Sholar at 910-862-4586 or Cheshire at 910-862-3125.
On tap for the day are various forms of entertainment, games and contests for the children of the community. A demonstration by the department’s K-9 unit, face painting, pony rides, and a fire truck ladder swing are just a few of the activities area children enjoy during Kids Appreciation Day. Bounce houses, bicycle giveaways, and musical entertainment provided by a DJ will provide entertainment while parents can lounge on the grassy field under the sun.
There will be plenty to snack on during the day. Snow cones, funnel cakes, and cotton candy will be available for those wanting light fare, and lunch items like hot dogs or pork sandwiches can be purchased by those wanting something heartier.
Fingerprinting kits will be available for parents wanting to take advantage of that opportunity for their children, and the Fire Department, the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, the Highway Patrol, and other agencies will have information to give out.
While all the festivities are taking place, emergency personnel will be interacting with visitors.
“Usually when we see people, it’s during a tragedy or disaster,” Cheshire remarked. “We want to be community-oriented, where people can see us in a positive light let us build rapport with them.”
All proceeds from Kids Appreciation Day will go directly to assist the Elizabethtown Police Department and the Elizabethtown Fire Department with expenses for the event, as well as general community betterment.
Kids Appreciation Day will be held Saturday, May 5, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Chrysta Carroll can be reached by calling 910-862-4163 or emailing ccarroll@bladenjournal.com.