The tenth annual Knoxville Helmets and Hotdogs will be held Thursday at the Marion County Fairgrounds. 

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 for the summer. There will be several different demonstrations and displays at the event from several businesses and organizations as well, so kids can learn ways to be safe all summer. There will be prizes including a bike raffle. Lunch will also be provided. . 

Helmets and Hotdogs will be held at 11:30 am as kids will get out of school at 11:25 for their last day of classes on the 22nd. This event has continued to grow every year and will be moved to the Marion County Fairgrounds, which will allow for additional room, more parking, and space available in case of rain. Those who would like to make a monetary donation or donate bikes or helmets or if business or organization would like to have a booth at the event, they can contact the Knoxville Police Department. Knoxville School Resource Officer Cody Nichol says this event wouldn’t be possible without all the community support.

“To say amazing is the only word for it. The way the community and all the citizens come around this event because they want kids to have an amazing summer, they want kids to be safe, and they want kids to learn things.”

The KNIA/KRLS Big Red Radio will be at Hotdogs and Helmets for music and announcements. Hear more about the event from organizers Cody Nichol and Angie Hartzel on Monday’s Let’s Talk Knoxville.