PIMA STUDENTS, ADVOCACY GROUP CONTINUE FIGHTING AGAINST DRUGS

The town of Pima proved that the war against drugs can be enjoyable at
its second annual Harvest Festival on Oct. 30.

Close to 300 people attended the festival on the football field, and
agencies from across the Valley donated time to educate and entertain.

The Harvest Festival came at the end of Red Ribbon Week in Pima.
Activities were scattered throughout the week to enforce Pima's "no
tolerance for drugs" policy.

"We're getting the word out about drugs," said Kathy Grimes,
prevention specialist for SEABHS New Turf and director of the Pima
Advocacy Group. "We wanted people to come out and meet their neighbors
and get involved."

Mothers Against Drunk Driving distributed red ribbons to parents and
children. Graham Alliance on Tobacco Education invited kids to sign a
certificate pledging to stay drug-free.

Inflatable punching bags with pictures of bad guys on them stood on
the grass, taunting kids with peer pressure and advertising. Kids
donned boxing gloves and beat them.

The Pima Police Department set up an obstacle course and encouraged
young and old drivers to drive a golf cart through while wearing
goggles that simulate drunkenness.

Perhaps the highlight of the afternoon was a demonstration by the
University of Arizona Police Department's K-9 dogs. One officer posed
as a suspect and was dressed in padded clothing for the demonstration.
A second officer sent the dog after the first. As soon as the suspect
surrendered, the dog stopped.

When the suspect attacked the officer, the dog bit the suspect and
held on until the officer called him off. The Pima Police Department
is researching K-9 officers with the possibility of having one join
its ranks.

A LifeNET helicopter landed on the football field, and people were
encouraged to poke through it. A fire engine was also available for
tours. A jumping castle entertained the youngest children.

Other community agencies involved include Child and Family Resources,
Pima Town Council and the Pima EMTs. McGruff also made a special appearance.

"We have a way to go still in our war against drugs," Grimes said.
"We're on our way to getting a close-knit community with open
communication."