Red Ribbon Week Top 10 Celebration Ideas

Red Ribbon Week, celebrated October 23-31 every year, is a time set aside by schools, police departments and community centers to encourages children, families, and every member of the community to take a stand against the use and abuse of drugs and narcotics.

The event was created to honor the life of US Drug Enforcement Agent, Enrique Camerena, who was ambushed and murdered by drug lords in Mexico back in 1985. Red ribbons were worn to honor his memory, and the practice continues today.

As this event has grown, the message has remained the same. Illegal drug use effects everyone. Individuals, no matter their age, do not suffer alone. Families, coworkers and friends all have to witness the effects of a drug user's habits. As an educator or community leader, you can do your part by sending early messages to the students in our schools. Here are some effective and fun ways to help celebrate Red Ribbon Week:

1. Wear Red Day - In addition to passing out red ribbons with drug free messages on them, have everyone in your school wear red clothing to school. Hold a kick-off event in your gymnasium or auditorium. The sea of red shirtswill be quite impressive.

2. Hang Banners & Posters - Red Ribbon Week message banners will surely be seen in the hallways and cafeteria of your school, but hanging them outside of your school will get the attention of every passersby. A great way to spread the message of drug-free living to the entire community.

3. Make It Festive! - This event is a celebration of life! People are happier without drugs. Decorate your facility with red balloons and ribbons.

4. Make It Sweet - Distribute red candy such as lollipops and chocolate bars.

5. Hold an Athletic Event - Red Ribbon Week is all about good health and what is healthier than races or a special field day event?

6. Smile and Say Cheese - Have students bring in baby pictures and have a guess the baby contest. Hand out picture frames that say "Born To Be Drug Free" printed on them.

7.Sign The Contract - Make up giant "committment to be drug free" posters for each class, or a jumbo poster for everyone to sign and hang proudly in your lobby.

8.Silly Ideas They Will Remember - Crazy hat day, red sock day and wear clothes backwards day ("don't let drugs take you backwards") all leave a lasting impression on young minds.

9.Shade Out Drugs - Hand out sunglasses to every student so they can feel "cool" without using drugs.

10. Finish The Week With A Treat - A Trick or Treat, that is. Halloween caps off National Red Ribbon Week, so tie your "say boo to drugs" message to a fun costume parade.

Choose from plenty of stock and custom Red Ribbon Week ideas to promote your anti-drug message.