Red Ribbon Week kickoff event Saturday

In order to shed light on drug and alcohol abuse Oct. 23-31 has been proclaimed Red Ribbon Week throughout the county by the Tulare County Board of Supervisors.

“On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I would like to commend the Tulare County Red Ribbon Week Committee for their hard work,” said Chairman Allen Ishida. “We encourage educators, business owners and community organizations to promote drug-free lifestyles during Red Ribbon Week as well as throughout the year.”

This year’s theme is “The Best Me Is Drug Free!”

The red ribbon symbolizes a commitment to reducing the consumption of alcohol and drugs.
Red Ribbon Week celebrations will begin with the Red Ribbon Week kickoff event on from Noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Visalia Convention Center. The event is free.

“Families are encouraged to visit the Red Ribbon Kickoff Event and enjoy dozens of positive performances and educational activities including a live art demonstration, a special musical performance by motivational speaker K.D. Johnson, and information booths from a variety of local agencies,” said County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak. “We hope visitors will come away from the event with the courage and resources to stay drug and alcohol free.”

The United States Congress established Red Ribbon Week, in 1988, in honor of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent Enrique S. “Kiki” Camarena, who was killed in the line of duty by drug traffickers.