RED RIBBON WEEK STARTS WITH DAY OF FUN

Motivated by the belief that one person can make a difference in the fight
against drug and alcohol abuse, Franklin County will kick off its National
Red Ribbon Week campaign Saturday at the Chambersburg Area Middle School.

For one week in October, communities come together to honor the memory of
Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent
killed in 1985 while investigating a major drug cartel in Mexico.

Franklin County will start the week with an all-day event filled with
games, activities, displays and refreshments.

"Basically, what the day is all about is getting as much information out
there to the public of the harmful effects alcohol and drug use can cause,"
said George Reitz, Franklin/Fulton County drug and alcohol prevention
specialist. "We also tried to put some fun into it as well."

One of the goals of the day will be to teach children to have fun without
using drugs and alcohol.

"We want children to see what's out there," Reitz said. "We also want them
to learn ways to have fun and enjoy themselves without the use of drugs and
alcohol."

Camarena grew up in poverty, worked his way through college and became a
DEA agent. He was tortured to death and found buried in a shallow grave.

Adopting the red ribbon as their symbol, a coalition of parents angry about
rapid drug and alcohol abuse in their neighborhoods, organized the first
nationwide campaign in 1988 to honor Camarena's battle against illegal drugs.

Communities from all across the country each year have carried on the
tradition.

Various local law and defense agencies will be present Saturday, including
a Humvee displayed by the Army National Guard.

"An officer from Mercersburg (Police Department) will be bringing down one
of the original squad cars used in the Andy Griffith show," Reitz said.
"We'll also have two miniature racing cars and a go-cart car on display."

The day will kick off with a Drug-Free march from Kmart, Wayne Avenue, to
the middle school.

Reitz organized a banner drive for sixth- and seventh-grade classes in each
of the county's school districts.

"I asked students to design a banner as a classroom to bring to the march,"
Reitz said. "We'll be carrying balloons and wearing red ribbons to show our
support for a drug-free county."

The march will culminate at 1:55 p.m. with a balloon launch at the middle
school.

"We're expecting to let go 800 to 1,000 balloons," Reitz said. "This will
signify us spreading the word across the county."

Following the launch, one of the county commissioners will give a
proclamation announcing Oct. 23-31 as Franklin County Red Ribbon Week.

"Throughout the week, we're encouraging area businesses and local schools
to wear red ribbons to show their support," Reitz said. "This will be our
part of the National Red Ribbon Campaign."

For most of the day, children will be treated to a festive atmosphere.

More than 13 carnival-like games, such as a basketball shoot and ring toss,
will be located throughout the school.

Phantom Shadow will be on hand with three inflatable games -- Velcro wall,
joust and a sports challenge.

Door prizes will be awarded at 6 p.m. from a drawing of cards signed by
individuals pledging to remain drug free.

"Prizes will include free movie tickets, ski passes and tickets to the
Christmas Carol," Reitz said. "There will also be various gift cards to
local retail stores and restaurants awarded."

Guest comedian-magician Chris Blackmore, a former Walt Disney World
entertainer, will cap the day with a performance at 6:30 p.m. His one-hour
program is titled "Don't Be Fooled by Drugs."

In addition to the county's Red Ribbon Drug Prevention Day, the middle
school will also be hosting a week-long book sale featuring more than
20,000 books.

If you go

The Franklin County Red Ribbon Drug Prevention Day will be held 2-8 p.m. at
the Chambersburg Area Middle School, 1151 E. McKinley St.

A drug-free march will begin at 1 p.m. in the Kmart parking lot and end at
the middle school.

Games, activities, information booths, displays and refreshments will be
available.

For more information contact George Reitz at XXX-XXXX.