After a successful first year, the Columbia Valley RCMP open house makes its return on Thursday, May 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Columbia Valley detachment offices at 4936 Athalmer Road in Invermere.

“Last year I was quite surprised by the numbers of kids, parents and grandparents,” RCMP Staff Sgt. Marko Shehovac said. “I think there were about 130 of us.”

Shehovac had held a similar open house in Golden in previous years when he was stationed there, and based on the success of the inaugural Columbia Valley RCMP open house last year, it was clear it would be happening again.

“It’s basically to let the people know, and let the taxpayers know, that this is your building, and we’re your police officers,” Shehovac said. “It’s not always negative to come down to the office.”

Shehovac said that, once again, the RCMP will have all their “toys” available for kids to play on, including a squad car, an ATV and a snowmobile. Something that also proved popular last year was the detachment’s police dog, who will be attending — pending any calls — and one officer will be bringing his German shepherd puppy for the kids to play with.

The Lake Windermere and District Lions Club will also be holding a barbecue featuring beef on a bun, and volunteers from Tim Hortons and Restorative Justice will be on hand with food and drinks. All the grade three classes from the valley have also submitted posters for the chance to win a prize sponsored by either Home Hardware or Canadian Tire.