After nearly four decades raising money for charities and having a little fun playing football, the Sacramento Guns and Hoses Pig Bowl is looking for new ways to give back to the community.

Saturday marks the 39th installment with area law enforcers taking on firefighters in the charity contest. Pregame ceremonies are at 12:30 p.m.; the game begins at 1 p.m.

This year's event is geared to children. From 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. there will be a "kids safety fair" in the south section next to Hornet Stadium.

According to event treasurer Judy Mason, the fair will help promote safety and bring more awareness about law enforcement and public safety to children and parents.

"I'm trying to make it about the kids and help them learn something," Mason said. "The safety fair is such a big part of the event."

The price of the fair is included in the $10 ticket. Children 5 and younger will be admitted free. All proceeds go to nonprofit organizations.

Game announcer Doug Kelly said the fair increases community involvement beyond the football game.

"You are always looking for ways to grow it," Kelly said. "If you stay with the same old things, it gets repetitive."

There are also programs run by police and firefighters that target youths. Explorer programs give young people a chance to learn about careers in law enforcement and firefighting.

The California Highway Patrol, Sacramento Fire Department and Sacramento County Sheriff's Department each have Explorer programs with about two dozen teenagers who are Explorers, according to Deputy Lori Smith, a reserve volunteer for the Sheriff's Department.

On Saturday, the Explorers, who range in age from 14 to 20, will be on hand to help teach younger children at the safety learning stations.

"For the first time, sheriff and CHP Explorers will have booths that deal with safety," Smith said.

And for Smith and others involved with the Explorer programs, it is a way to give teenagers a chance to see the professionals in a more relaxed environment.

And the day is intended to give some children better exposure to law enforcement and firefighters. "We are trying to catch them before they make poor choices," said Capt. Joe Pick of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District. "Even the slightest infraction can affect them at a young age."

Guns and Hoses raises money for the Sacramento Sheriff's Toy Project, Mustard Seed School and Families for Early Autism Treatment.

"This isn't about us," Pick said. "It's about the charities."

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