(SHIPSHEWANA) – What began as a discussion with Amish families looking for ways to keep older children away from trouble led to a fun evening in Shipshewana.

Randy Merrifield, LaGrange County’s Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative Coordinator, says the event at The Cove October 25th attracted more kids than they expected. They bought 30 pizzas, 50 pretzels, chips and pop, and over 360 kids show up along with over 40 police officers.

Merrifield says the kids and young adults ages 15-20 played games and nearly every law enforcement agency in the county was represented.
LaGrange County Sheriff Jeff Campos was even tased. Merrifield says the kids held back at the beginning but warmed up after awhile.

Merrifield says they hope to have a similar event in the Spring with more sports and possibly a hog roast.