Several hundred youngsters from PS/ MS 20 and the 52nd Precinct Explorers Program participated in the first-ever NYPD Explorers Community Awareness Day, held along Mosholu Parkway at Webster Avenue, on Saturday, May 3.

Young Bronxites had the street to themselves as they played games, danced, ate and enjoyed inflatable rides during the day-long celebration. Two face painters were on hand as well as members of the NYPD’s Auxiliary force and members of the Guardian Angels.

The event was the idea of Anthony Miller, 15, a member of the Explorers program, who saw it as a way to have fun and raise money.

“Basically, I came up with the idea to raise money so we could go to the Nationals, a military drill competition held in Colorado in July,” Anthony said. He said he hoped the event would also draw more interest to the Explorers program, which now has 35 members.

Anthony’s mother and the event’s organizer, Soniya Miller, who is the PS/MS 20 PTA president, joined together with the Mosholu Preservation Corporation and the Explorers program in making the event happen.

Soniya Miller said after the event, “It’s a huge success, better than I dreamed, we had a lot of support…and the kids had fun.”