Large crowds turned out in Knoxville Friday afternoon for the ninth annual Helmets and Hotdogs event.

The afternoon was filled with a large number of booths representing many different community organizations and businesses to promote safety in every aspect. There were bike helmet giveaways to anyone who needed one, bike raffles, food, games, and prizes. The event concluded with a melon drop to show the importance of wearing a helmet while riding a bike. Knoxville Police Officer Cody Nichol, who played a big part in organizing the event this year, said it was an amazing afternoon.

“It was truly breathtaking, awe inspiring, amazing, any word of that nature. It was just so incredible that even with the weather and the rain was suppose to hold off, and it didn’t but even with the rain the amount of people that showed up and we gave away 23 or 24 bikes, several gift bags valued over $100. We had everything here. It went really well.”

Many different local businesses, community organizations and individuals made donations to make this event possible. The KNIA/KRLS Lil’Big Red Radio played music at the event.