Kids earned tickets by playing inflatable carnival games at the event, and the tickets could then be traded in for prizes at a prize tent. (Photo Courtesy Lowell Police Department)

LOWELL — Smiles, pizza, ice cream and carnival games greeted anyone who attended the Lowell Police Department’s fifth annual Youth Outreach Day on Wednesday in JFK Plaza.

On Wednesday, Sept. 17, Lowell Police once again hosted a Youth Outreach Day to build relationships and positive experiences with kids and adults from across the city.

Private donations funded free pizza, drinks and ice cream, for all who attended, and Lowell Police provided inflatable carnival games where kids could earn tickets to buy prizes at a prize stand.

Police vehicles were also on display from Lowell Police, Lowell Fire, UMass Lowell Police, the National Park Service, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Department and the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC).

Police also offered free raffles of gift baskets, and there were free video games for kids.

Grant funds from the Shannon Community Safety Initiative, provided by the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the Office of Grants and Research, were used to support the event.

The Lowell Police Superior Officers and Lowell Police Patrol Officers unions provided raffle baskets.

“Youth Outreach Day enables us to have positive experiences with kids and to meet kids in an atmosphere outside of our usual experiences as police officers,” said Superintendent Hudon. “It is important that the youth of our city understand that police are here to help and support them, and this day helps us share that message. I want to thank everyone who came out, and all of our law enforcement partners who contributed.”