The Knoxville Police Department’s ninth annual Helmets and Hotdogs event will take place today.

This is a way for families to celebrate the last day of school with a community safety event. The event is geared toward Pre-K through fifth grade, and is an opportunity for kids to have their bike helmets checked by the Knoxville Police Department and those without a helmet can receive one while supplies last. This is also a chance to have a child’s bike tuned up to get ready for the summer. There will be several different demonstrations and displays at the event as well so kids can learn ways to be safe all summer. There will be prizes including a bike raffle and lunch provided. A large number of community organizations have partnered with this event to provide bike helmets, bikes, and funds to make Helmets and Hotdogs as successful as possible. Knoxville Police Officer Cody Nichol says this event continues to get bigger every year.

“It’s absolutely amazing to see the community come together. The kids get so excited for it. Every year more and more people start showing up. This has been nine years. It’s really starting to become its own thing. Kids talk about it every year. It just kicks off the summer for everybody, and it promotes safety in every facet.”

The event starts at 1:30 pm and the KNIA/KRLS Little Big Red Radio will be playing music. The rain location will be inside the memorial hall.