Over 45 police and fire departments are coming together to host Lake County’s 27th annual First Responders Expo at Gurnee Mills next weekend.
The expo is free to the public and will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gurnee Mills parking lot E in between Kohl’s and Bass Pro Shops.
The yearly event is hosted by Gurnee Mills in partnership with the Lake County Fire Chiefs Association and the Lake County Chiefs of Police Association.
“We’re keeping the momentum going!” Gurnee Mills said. “After looking back at last year’s incredible memories, it’s almost time to make some new ones.”
Over 45 police and fire departments from throughout the region will come together to showcase police cars, fire trucks, ambulances and provide live demonstrations.
The event aims to provide public safety education to families in a fun-filled way.
The demonstrations include K-9 teams, a bomb squad and robot, crash extrication and live fire.
Children can also participate in hands-on activities like a fire pole, a combat challenge obstacle course and giveaways.
Food trucks will also be on-site.
New for this year’s expo is a K-9 corner where people can meet a variety of police, fire/rescue, and comfort dogs and learn more about their functions.
The event, which draws thousands of people, is dubbed the largest public safety expo of its kind in the region.
The 3rd annual Rods For Remembrance car show will also take place on Sunday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at parking lot E.
The car show aims to support first responders and veterans.
The public can attend the car show for free. Those interested in featuring their car can register from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. that day.
Proceeds from the car show go to the Tunnel To Towers Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded to honor New York City Firefighter Stephen Siller, who was killed while responding to the attacks on September 11, 2001.
“Whether your little ones dream of wearing the badge or sliding down the fire pole, this is the event of the season,” Gurnee Mills said.