by Eric A Thomas
Photo/Special to The Source
An event geared toward children is coming to the downtown square in Roodhouse. This is brought to you by the Roodhouse Police Department (RPD), with help from Roodhouse Fire Department and their friends at The Ice Cream Depot.
On Saturday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m., members of both squads and their families, the staff at The Ice Cream Depot and volunteers from North Greene Bright Futures will be host a night for the kids. “We have hosted an ice cream event for two years. This will be the first time we have combined the ice cream event with our popular movie night,” comments Roodhouse Police Chief Kyle Robison. In addition to ice cream and a movie, the Roodhouse Fire Department will have a fire truck there and will set up a sprinkler system so the kids can run through it and cool down on a hot summer night. The event is open to age 16 and younger – and every aspect of the night is free.
Another organization helping bring this event to life is the Roodhouse Public Library. Says Chief Robison, “They have a license to show movies publicly.” Popcorn will be served with the movie, “Tom and Jerry,” and it will begin after dark. The inflatable screen is 16 feet by 9 feet and there a great sound system; all of this enables them to show the movie in the park. People in attendance are encouraged to bring something on which to sit. No alternative plans are made in case of inclement weather.
The Ice Cream Depot is family-owned by Nancy and Steve Shive. They opened in 2013 and are located at 108 Worcester St. in Roodhouse. Open Monday through Friday from 4-9 p.m. and the weekend from 2-9 p.m., they haven an extensive menu of ice cream and yogurt treats, plus other food and drink items. Robison highly recommends that people try their walking tacos. “We have enjoyed working with the police department in putting together these events,” says Nancy Shive.
She adds, “It is great to be involved with these activities that celebrate and promote family.”
Throughout the year the RPD organizes several events that are family-friendly and youth-oriented. In addition to this event, they host an annual fishing derby, trunk-or-treat cruise-in, and Christmas-related events. “We typically are looking for ways to interact with the public but more specifically, local youth … We look for every opportunity for our department to continue interacting with the community. It’s important for people to understand that the police are no different than any other person,” notes Robison.
All of these events are made possible by donations to the Roodhouse Youth Fund. “It’s important that the donors see their donations go back into the community towards the youth,” concludes Robison.
Don’t forget to head to the downtown square in Roodhouse on Saturday, July 24 at 6:30 in the evening for some community fun: sprinklers, ice cream and a movie on the lawn. Make sure to thank the Shives and staff, the Roodhouse Public Library, North Greene Bright Futures volunteers, plus the Roodhouse Police and Fire Departments.
