Grand Junction police officers and deputies with the Mesa County Sheriff's Office hung out with children from around the Grand Valley on Thursday. And it was all in the spirit of good old-fashioned fun.

The "Bowl with a Cop" event took place at Orchard Mesa Lanes from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Police officers said it's a fun and safe activity for kids during the holiday break from school.

Orchard Mesa Lanes provides free games for the day and no registration is required. All kids are welcome to attend as long as they have parental supervision.

According to officers, bowling allows them to interact with children in a non-intimidating venue and it's a great way to break some of the misconceptions the kids may have about the police.

"I think it's just a really good chance for the kids to interact with a police officer on a, on a relaxed basis without having to worry about anything and just really get to know us, and know that we're dads and we're human also," said Officer Rocky Baldozier, with the Grand Junction Police Department.

Officer Baldozier told KJCT that one child came all the way from Norwood for the free day of bowling in Orchard Mesa.

If you missed this year's event, be sure to look for it next year during Christmas break; it's an annual event held at Orchard Mesa Lanes.