Photo courtesy of Sheriff Curt Pennala Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office Public Safety Day draws huge crowds every year, with service vehicles onsite ranging from snowmobiles to OshKosh snowplows and graders to kids’ games and demonstrations.

MOHAWK — The Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office has announced the 4th annual Public Safety Day to take place on Saturday, July 17, from noon-3 p.m. at the Mohawk Park, said Sheriff Curt Pennala.

It is a day for the kids and community to come out for free hotdogs, pop, chips and ice cream, games, said Pennala, and meet some of the men and women who help keep the community safe.

“This event gives the community a chance to meet their local police officers, firefighters and their paramedics who help keep the community safe,” said Pennala, “and also an opportunity to check out the equipment that they use.”

Public Safety Day participants include:

Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office, Allouez TWP. First Responders, Ahmeek Fire Department Off-Road Rescue, as well as volunteer fire departments from Allouez Township, Copper Harbor, Eagle Harbor, Lac La Belle, and Sherman Township will be present with with trucks and equipment, and there will be a Jaws of Life demonstration, as well. The county Road Commission will have some of their big equipment on the grounds, as they have in the past, and Mercy EMS will have a vehicle present, too.

As with the previous safety days, the smoke house will be back, as will the bouncy house, along with demonstrations by firefighters dressing in the special clothing they use, using air packs, and masks.

New this year will be a booth set up with dispatchers from Negaunee Regional Dispatch (911). As in the past, there will be demonstrations, including a smoke house, the Jaws of Life, and K-9 Deputy Dogo.

Another event that was very popular when it was introduced in 2020, will be back this year.

“We did put together another donut-eating contest, where the kids can face off against our police officers,” said Pennala, adding that the kids can win prizes, so it will be a lot of fun.

Pennala said the organizers of the event are planning for a larger than normal turnout.

“We’re preparing for a large number of people,” said Pennala, “so, we’re hoping the community comes out.”

The organizers are not really sure how many people to expect this year, but with the cancellation of the event last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is nice to get back to face-to-face interaction.

“So, like I said, it’s a lot of fun for us, it’s nice to get out and interact with the kids, which in turn makes them feel more comfortable with the uniforms that we wear,” Pennala said.

Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.