HOUGHTON -- Thursday was a busy day at the Houghton Police Department.  The station held its third annual Community Awareness Family Fun Day on Thursday afternoon.

Families gathered for a little fun in the sun and inside the station.  Popcorn and cotton candy kept the stomachs full, while balloon shaping and games kept kids of all ages entertained.

Parents and children spent some time getting to know the officers, and one special crime dog...McGruff.

Kids also received goodie bags and hats for attending.

"I'm guessing between 200 to 300 kids this year, a little more than last year.  It keeps growing every year," said Lt. Nicholas Roberts of the Houghton Police Department.  "One of the last things we can do for the community before school starts...the kids get to come and they get to know the police officers in their community.  And it helps us out, too, in the future.  The kids know us, we know them and it makes our job easier."

Children also had a chance to get their fingerprints done for their records.