Rapid City, S.D. – On Saturday, the Roosevelt Park Ice Arena became a hub of family‑friendly fun as local teens and younger children laced up skates for the annual “Spooky Skate.” The event, organized by the Rapid City Optimist Club, marked the conclusion of National Red Ribbon Week, a nationwide campaign that promotes drug and alcohol prevention among youth.
Free fun for a healthy message
All participants enjoyed free admission, complimentary skate rentals and a slice of pizza. The junior ROTC program from Central High School added a festive touch with face‑painting stations, creating a Halloween atmosphere that was both safe and inclusive.
Community leaders stress the importance of drug‑free choices
“We are doing our wrap‑up event. So we have free pizza, the junior ROTC from Central High School is doing face painting, and free rental and free skates, saying thank you for choosing to be drug‑free,” said Cricket Palmer, Red Ribbon Week Chairman for the Rapid City Optimist Club. Palmer emphasized that seeing peers and adults support drug‑free decisions sends a powerful message to young people.
State health data shows a decade‑long decline in youth e‑cigarette and over‑the‑counter drug use in South Dakota, though tobacco and vapor products remain common among teenagers. Organizers hope that visible community support will keep the downward trend moving in the right direction.
Red Ribbon Week’s lasting impact
Red Ribbon Week runs for seven days each October, highlighting the dangers of substance abuse and encouraging prevention efforts. “Red Ribbon Week is only one week, so it’s really an opportunity to motivate them and put that message into the teachers, the parents, the adults that we have in this community, to say we need to continue this message to keep it a safe place,” Palmer added.
The event reflects a broader community commitment to fostering healthy choices, reinforcing the role of families, schools and local organizations in guiding youth toward a drug‑free future.
Looking ahead
Organizers plan to continue offering similar outreach activities throughout the year, aiming to sustain the momentum built during Red Ribbon Week. By providing positive alternatives and celebrating healthy decisions, Rapid City hopes to further reduce substance‑related risks among its youngest residents.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
