By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Pelham Police Department is teaming up with McDonald’s to bring a cool twist to community policing with its upcoming event, Cone with a Cop.

Set for Saturday, July 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the event invites families to stop by the McDonald’s at 580 Cahaba Valley Road for a free vanilla ice cream cone, a fun photo op with a police vehicle—and a conversation with local law enforcement.

Hosted in partnership with the Wilson Family McDonald’s, Cone with a Cop offers a relaxed, family-friendly environment for residents to meet and engage with the officers who serve their community. The event is designed to break down barriers and foster deeper, more personal connections between Pelham police officers and the citizens they protect.

“The Pelham Police Department is set to host a Cone with a Cop event on Saturday, July 26, a heartwarming initiative designed to foster deeper connections and build stronger relationships within the community,” Pelham Detective Iliana Hayakahua said. “At its core, Cone with a Cop is inspired by the department’s dedication to building trust and transparency.”

Families attending the event will receive free vanilla cones, courtesy of McDonald’s, and enjoy the chance to explore a police vehicle up close. McDonald’s iconic character Grimace will also be on hand for photos and smiles, adding a layer of fun for younger attendees.

“This approach seeks to humanize law enforcement,” Hayakahua said. “It allows community members to view officers as approachable individuals who are integral to their neighborhood.”

Bailey VanSloten, community relations coordinator for McDonald’s franchise owners, emphasized the positive impact of holding these events in an informal, welcoming setting.

“We have done many of these events—Cone with a Cop and Frozen with a Firefighter—and we’ve found that having these events in a relaxed but fun environment has made a very positive impact on the community’s relationship with police departments,” VanSloten said. “Kids and families are able to learn about the department and ask questions in a familiar setting.”

The event is part of the Pelham Police Department’s larger community engagement strategy, which also includes efforts like the annual National Night Out, Pelham Polar Plunge for Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. These programs share a common mission: to create authentic, two-way conversations between officers and the public they serve.

“The value of informal settings cannot be overstated,” Hayakahua said. “They reduce intimidation, encourage spontaneous conversations and allow for a more authentic exchange between officers and residents.”

For younger attendees in particular, positive interactions with law enforcement can leave a lasting impression. Organizers hope the experience of chatting with officers over ice cream—and meeting characters like Grimace—will help instill trust and build confidence in local law enforcement from an early age.

“This event lays the groundwork for a future generation that views its police force as partners and protectors,” Hayakahua said.

The idea for Cone with a Cop came from VanSloten herself, who saw an opportunity for meaningful community collaboration. The Wilson Family McDonald’s quickly embraced the concept, donating cones and promoting the event with flyers and social media posts.

“Tim Wilson, the McDonald’s owner, loves to get the community connected,” VanSloten said. “Cone with a Cop makes for a fun, family-friendly event—and we’d love for this to become an annual tradition.”

For more information and future updates, visit Pelhampd.com.