1st ever 'Operation Safe Halloween' planned in Paducah | Community Spirit

MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY (KFVS) - The McCracken County Sheriff’s Department will be partnering with area businesses and organizations this year for its first ever Halloween night event which is being called “Operation Safe Halloween.”

The event will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and include special appearances from "Safety Pup" and "Darren" the Lion.

The idea was brought to the department by John Workman who is the regional manager for Papa John’s Pizza. Workman described this event as something that he had participated in while living in Frankfort, Ky. The venue in Frankfort was the Kentucky State Police Headquarters.

K-Mart located on Lone Oak Road has agreed to not only participate, but to allow the use of their parking lot for the event.

Participating businesses include:

• WKYQ 93.3 Radio Station / The Rabbit will also be there.
• WZZL 106.7 Radio Station
• Genesis Gym
• Baptist Express Care
• McCracken County Coroner
• McCracken Co. Jail
• Allen Auto Sales
• M and M Cleaners
• The H Group
• Cash Express
• Hendron Fire Department
• Lone Oak Fire Department
• Paducah Fire Department
• Hometown Decorating
• Home Depot
• McCracken County Attorneys Office
• Hampton Physical Therapy
• Meadows Body Shop
• Newberry Eye Care
• Paducah Power
• Kentucky State Police
• Randy’s Body Shop
• Mercy Regional Ambulance Service / Will have a “Haunted Tent’ set up.
• PAR Finance
• McCracken County Sheriff’s Department
• Papa Johns Pizza

The sheriff's department says each business or organization will be asked to set up a table or small booth along with a sign or banner advertising their business, as well as to provide candy to hand out to children for trick or treating purposes. Families bringing their children to the event will be able to visit each table or booth and receive their treat. This will be an ideal venue for small children that are accompanied by their parents.

The McCracken County Sheriff’s Department as well as the Kentucky State Police will be on hand to supervise the event as well as to provide some entertainment for the children. A fire truck or two may also be there.

The goal of this event is to provide a fun and safe alternative to being on the streets and roadways.

Copyright 2012 KFVS. All rights reserved.