By Lookout Staff

August 10, 2012 -- On Wednesday, more than 350 kids from over 100 California Police Activities League (PAL) chapters swarmed Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier for the 8th Annual PALpalooza.

Kids from all over California were invited to for free rides and a day of food and fun at Santa Monica’s two-acre ocean-side amusement park, which sponsors the program that helps children get to know their local police officers.

“PAL is a unique community organization that fosters trust between youth and the men and women of the Santa Monica Police Department in a safe and nurturing environment,” according to PAL officials.

“More than 350 kids received a free, fun-filled back-to-school,” Park officials said.

Throughout the day, kids partook of 12 exciting rides, 18 midways games and a variety of food selections from the oceanfront food court, including hot dogs, hamburgers, French fries and soft drinks and juice.

“The kids also enjoyed a variety of desserts, including cotton candy, popcorn and ice cream,” Park officials said.

All food, games and rides for PALpalooza were donated by Pacific Park. “The Santa Monica PAL is Pacific Park’s primary charitable organization on the Westside,” Park officials said.

PAL -- which has 200 programs from Imperial County to Tehama County -- also reaches out to children with events like the Life After High School conference, held at Fresno State University, which helps prepare high school students for the transition to college.