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Community Corner

Red Ribbon Drug Awareness Event and Family Fun Day

Union County’s annual Red Ribbon Day features a full day of free activities and fun for children, all in the cause of raising awareness about preventing drug and alcohol abuse. This year, Red Ribbon Day will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20 at Oak Ridge Park on Oak Ridge Road in Clark, including a 5K Run and Family Fun Walk.


“At a very young age, children can start to share some thoughts about staying healthy and avoiding danger,” said Freeholder Alexander Mirabella. “Red Ribbon Day is a great opportunity for parents to start talking about the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse in a positive, friendly atmosphere.”


Red Ribbon Day starts with the Red Ribbon 5K Run at 9:30 a.m., followed by the Red Ribbon Family Fun Walk at 10 a.m.

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From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, there will be free family activities and games along with musical entertainment and a health fair. A helicopter landing will add to the excitement.


To register online for the Red Ribbon 5K Run or Fun Walk, and to get information on deadlines and fees visit runsignup.com.

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Teams can also raise funds for their own organizations at Red Ribbon Day on a 50-50 basis through the Fun Walk. For 50-50 information visit Prevention Links, a Red Ribbon sponsor, at preventionlinks.org or call 732-381-4100.


The Red Ribbon Drug Awareness Campaign commemorates the life of Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffickers in Mexico while conducting an undercover investigation of a major drug cartel. Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines and became a police officer before joining the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.


Red Ribbon Day is supported by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Prevention Links and the Union County D.A.R.E. Officers Association.


For more information about the Red Ribbon Campaign, Red Ribbon Day and all Red Ribbon activities, visit Prevention Links at preventionlinks.org or call 732-381-4100.
For information about all Union County parks and recreation programs visit ucnj.org or call 908-527-4900.

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