The fifth event in the Texas Gives Back series, A Safe Start to Summer is also being sponsored by Discount Tire.

The event, to be held in the restaurant's two main parking areas from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. May 17, will help teach children safety tips on activities such as bicycling and swimming as well as tips on what to do when approached by strangers, said Melissa Hand, manager of establishment off Julian R. Allsbrook Highway. “It's to let them know they can confide in deputies, police and teachers.”

The sheriff's office will offer fingerprinting of children for parents. There will also be fire trucks at the event where children can have their photos taken. Free snow cones will also be available as well as a bounce house.

Stacy Jones will be on stilts making balloon animals for the event. “I'm hoping this will be the biggest event ever,” Hand said. “It's something I love to do.”

Costumed characters will be at the event and Hand said Sheriff Wes Tripp has agreed to sit in a dunk tank.

“I'm a good sport,” Tripp said this afternoon. “We're always looking for ways to enhance our presence and give back back to the community.”

Tripp said the fingerprinting is a way to help parents have a record should the worst happen. “It's always good to have that record. We're offering that service as a way to reach out to the community.”

Hand said Tracy Story of Discount Tire is helping out in all phases of the event. “There's nothing he won't do for anybody. You call him and ask him for help, he'll make it happen. It will help us have a more powerful event.”

WPTM will be doing a live remote and attendees can register to win a free meal a month for a year. Those that register must be present to win.

While the aim of the event is safety, Hand said the atmosphere will be like a carnival with hundreds of balloons and music.

“I feel like so many kids are innocent and fearless,” she said. “In the last year we've heard a lot about missing kids. It will give them a chance to meet the sheriff's office and maybe the next time they run out the front door they'll be more careful.”