Each year the Mayor and the East Chicago Police Department host the Annual “Day With Our Youth” picnic. The event, which is open to East Chicago residents only, will be held at Block Stadium and begins at 9:30 a.m. and will wind down around 2:00 p.m.  The youth event is designed to show the children of this community that the police officers are not only their friends, but can and will be their supporting mentors within the community.

Many times, children come from single parent families in which the parent must work more than one job just to support their children.  This, often times, puts children in the position of being vulnerable to gangs, drugs and violence.  In efforts to prevent negative influences on the impressionable minds of our youth, Police officers volunteer their time to organize various games such as softball tournaments, pitching contests, obstacle courses and a “Dunk the Officer Booth,” which helps to keep the spirits high and energy long-lasting. Free food, hot dogs, chips and pop will be served to all who attend. Added to this year’s itinerary are three large castle moonwalks for little ones to enjoy. 

The highlight of the annual picnic is the special drawing in which over 100 bicycles are given away. Upon registration when entering the picnic, every child up to the age of fourteen will receive a raffle ticket for the bike give away.  The bicycles vary in size from small child to adult.  Because of the bike give away, there are now over 1600 more bicycles in the City of East Chicago.