Bigger and better than ever. The Cranston Police Department held its annual fall festival Sunday, drawing several thousand people to the event that was both informative and fun.

Organized by the department’s Community Outreach Division, the festival moved from the Rolfe Street business district this year to the expansive grounds of Mulligan’s Island Golf & Entertainment Center on New London Avenue — allowing for dozens more food trucks, vendor booths, and live entertainment acts.

“This is an opportunity for people to learn more about what the Police Department does and also showcase the community,” CPD Capt. Justin Dutra said.  “It’s also about having fun.”

Dutra added that the new location enabled them to accommodate more people and let attendees get a first-hand look at many of the public safety services the police, and other city departments, can provide.

With the larger location, the festival had about 23 food trucks, 75 craft vendors, and a wide variety demonstrations and live entertainment. The public got to see the department’s police dogs in action, high school marching bands, and a hip-swaying performance by the popular “World Premier” band.

The festival ran from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Dutra estimated that total attendance would top more than 4,000 people by the day’s end.

“I’m happy to be here and support the work our Police Department does,” said Cranston Mayor Kenneth Hopkins. He eventually found the beat of the band irresistible and joined other festival goers in dancing on the lawn.

Local resident Patrick Morency was carrying two hand-painted pumpkins while also shepherding his young children through the crowd so they could pick a treat of their choice at one of the many food trucks.

“I think it’s a great event,” he said.  “It’s total quality time for the family.”

Editor’s Note: Barbara Polichetti, a Cranston resident, is a regular contributor to the Cranston Herald and Johnston SunRise. Contact Polichetti at bpolichetti@gmail.com.