Event coordinators Angie Heartsill and Officer Kyle Keller are putting the final touches on the 8th Annual Helmets and Hotdogs event. This year, it will be held Wednesday, May 24 from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the covered parking lot across from the Knoxville Police Department.

Either way, rain or shine, the event will go on according to Heartsill. If it is too rainy or windy, the event will be held at the Memorial Hall. 

Officer Keller says the event is an excellent opportunity for parents and caregivers to have kids’ helmets checked and adjusted properly. If kids do not have a helmet, they will be given one free, while supplies last. Kids who bring their bikes will have a chance to have them tuned-up. Additional bikes will be available for kids to run through a bike safety course. 

Many area businesses and organizations will have booths to provide information or promote summer programs to attendees. Marion County Public Health will reveal why riding with a bike helmet is so very necessary with their melon drop demonstration. The Knoxville Noon Kiwanis will be serving the hotdog meal again this year, having handed out almost 300 meals at the event last year.

The main idea for this event has always been safety according to Heartsill.

Children preschool through 5th grade are encouraged to attend. There will be drawings for free bikes and summer fun baskets.

To enter, for a chance to win prizes, send an email by 5 pm on May 23rd with kids’ names to helmetsandhotdogs@gmail.com.

Officer Keller said they are still accepting gently-used helmets. Either drop them off to the Police Department before May 24th or bring them to the event.”