How you can have fun with Lake Zurich police

Up to 500 children are expected at an inaugural Lake Zurich police festival Friday.

Called Lake Zurich Blue & You, the free bash is set for 6 to 8:30 p.m. at police headquarters at 200 Mohawk Trail. Visitors then may stick around immediately after for popcorn and a free outdoor movie featuring "Turner and Hooch."

Police Chief Steven Husak said his department is excited to host the gathering.

"The event is targeted at the young people in our community as a way for them to interact with our personnel informally," Husak said.

Lake Zurich Recreation Manager Bonnie Caputo said there will be plenty to do at the event that'll include participation from the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System, Illinois State Police, Kildeer and Hawthorn Woods. In addition to getting to mingle with cops, visitors will have a chance to learn about law-enforcement technology, view a canine demonstration and touch police vehicles.

Caputo, whose department helped organize the event, said 250 to 500 children are projected to attend Lake Zurich Blue & You.

Other highlights will include a scavenger hunt for children that will require them to obtain signatures from five police officers in exchange for a prize and free Lake Zurich Blue & You T-shirts to the first 50 in attendance. Husak said there also will be inflatable bounce houses, face painting and a disc jockey.

Husak said other suburbs have hosted events similar to Lake Zurich Blue & You.

For example, Kops N Kidz Day is going on its ninth year in Lemont. Kopz N Kidz was honored with a Governor's Hometown Award in December in the project category for Cook and DuPage counties.