Blue Light Whakatāne is hosting a free event for families at Whakatāne High School next week.

The Activation Day will be held on Thursday between 9am and 2pm with a huge inflatable obstacle course, bubble soccer, laser tag, Dunk-a-Cop, a slippery slide and other activities.

There will also be a free food available, prizes and giveaways with businesses including Bunnings and Noel Leeming supporting the event.

“We’ve got 1000 sausages, so free sausage sizzle, free candy floss, free water and bags of popcorn as well,” said police youth officer Kevin Raynes.

Raynes said the event was open to all ages with families encouraged to attend.

“We just want as many kids and families to turn up. It’s for all ages, although we find the older kids don’t want to come along and enjoy themselves because they’re too cool.”

Last year’s Activation Day attracted a large turnout, and Blue Light Whakatane is hoping for a similar crowd this year.

Raynes said the day was about rewarding young people who made positive choices.

“We’ve got a lot of good kids in Whakatāne and unfortunately in our jobs we’ve got to deal with the ones that make the wrong choices,” he said.

“So, this event is for the ones that make the right choices.”

There will not only be police at the event but also fire fighters and ambulance staff.

Raynes said the event was a good way for young people to form an understanding and a relationship with the emergency services operating in their community.

Blue Light in Edgecumbe is planning a similar event on Saturday, October 10, from 10am to 3pm with many of the same activities.