The Katy Police Substation at Katy Mills Mall has been in business for a while, but the pandemic prevented officials from staging a proper opening. Officials will remedy that with a formal ribbon-cutting Saturday at the Katy Area Safety Fest.

The safety fest is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday between entrances 6 and 7 at the mall. The event is free to the public.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony begins at 11 a.m. at the substation, which is near Restoration Hardware on the east side of the mall. Police officials and mall management will perform the ceremony. From 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., guests can enjoy treats and a selfie station for photos with the costumed characters Chase on the Chase and Officer Judy Hopps.

The ribbon-cutting highlights the event, which enables guests to meet and visit with local first responders and military personnel. Guests can see equipment that first responders use in their jobs and learn techniques that can help ensure safety in times of trouble.

Guests will also have the chance to participate in hands-on activities with selected equipment used by the teams.

Agencies from Fort Bend and Harris counties, the cities of Houston, Katy, and Sugar Land, and local hospitals are some of the local entities that will be represented. The U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force will also be represented at the safety fest.

Representatives from the U.S. Secret Service Kids First Child ID Program will also be in attendance.