“Come one, come all! Meet our newest, furriest police officer,” said Officer Denise Bode of the Lemont Police Department Crime Prevention Unit.

Tazer, the department’s new canine police dog, will be at Kops ‘N’ Kidz Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16.

“There will be plenty of excitement, free games, food and prizes starting at 10 a.m. with a bicycle parade from Lion’s Park (at Roberta Street and Timberline Drive),” Bode said.

It should be a great last blast before summer ends and school begins, event coordinator Paulette Garcia said. Kids 16 or younger can bring their bike and helmet to Lions Park between 9 and 10 a.m. to participate in the parade. Bike registration — for identification purposes — also will be at Lions Park. Once the parade starts, a police escort will guide riders to the Lemont Township Park District, 16028 W. 127th St. Then at the park district, riders can take advantage of free, secure, valet bike parking before joining in the rest of the festivities.

“The first 300 kids who participate will receive a free T-shirt and goodie bag,” Bode added.
From dunking co-event coordinator Officer Therese George and other officers in a dunk tank to gobbling down snacks and meeting the new police dog and possibly winning one of a myriad of raffle prizes, there will be plenty of attractions.

“Several exciting police demonstrations will take place during the day, and wait until you see the Countryside police helicopter fly overhead and land at the field,” Bode said.

“If you want to get a police officer soaking wet, you will have the chance at the dunk tank. There will be inflatable games, a petting zoo and don’t forget free food,” she added. “Good music from the DJ and a spectacular magic show are just some of the thrilling things you can do this year at the Lemont police second annual Kops ‘N’ Kidz Day.”

“Last year, the helicopter landing was a huge hit, and the magician we will have was phenomenal. He had a good sense of humor and the parents actually liked him,” Garcia said. “The free raffle at the end was also a big hit. We had close to 200 prizes. Winners must be present, though.”

Age-appropriate prizes will be awarded to winners in each of three age categories, and coordinators hope to have even more items to give away this time around, Garcia said.
Concluding that the day is all about cops, kids and parents having fun together, she said everyone should enjoy it.

“See you there!” Bode said.

For more information, call (630) 257-2229.