Rapid City is celebrating the start of Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s largest annual drug‑awareness campaign, with a series of community‑focused events beginning today. The 2026 theme, “Make a Difference, Be a Hero, Stay Drug Free,” underscores the city’s commitment to guiding young people toward healthy choices.
Kick‑off ceremony at Minneluzahan Senior Center
At 4 p.m. this afternoon, students from several local schools gathered at the Minneluzahan Senior Center for the official Red Ribbon Week Kick‑Off. Mayor Jason Salamun delivered a brief welcome and read the city’s 2026 Red Ribbon Week Proclamation, a tradition that highlights the importance of drug prevention in the lives of families and faith‑centered communities. Members of the Rapid City Council were also in attendance, showing municipal support for the initiative.
School assemblies and community involvement
Mayor Salamun will continue his outreach on Thursday morning at Pinedale Elementary School, speaking to students from 8:30 to 9 a.m. during the school’s Red Ribbon Week assembly. The mayor’s presence reinforces the message that local leaders, parents, and faith groups all share responsibility for protecting youth from substance abuse.
Throughout the week, the iconic dinosaur at Dinosaur Park will be illuminated in red lights, a visual reminder of the campaign’s presence across the city. Local organizations, including the Rapid City Optimist Club, have partnered with schools and community groups to provide educational materials, pledge drives, and volunteer opportunities.
‘Spooky Skate’ Halloween celebration
The week concludes with “Spooky Skate,” a free skating event scheduled for Halloween from 1 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the Roosevelt Park Ice Arena. Attendees will enjoy complimentary admission, skate rentals, pizza, games, and a costume contest. Prizes include punch passes for future ice‑skating sessions. The event is co‑hosted by the Rapid City Optimist Club, the arena, and Thrivent, reflecting a collaborative effort to offer a safe, family‑friendly alternative to typical Halloween festivities.
By providing free entertainment and a supportive environment, the organizers aim to keep teens engaged in positive activities, aligning with the broader goal of reducing drug exposure during a holiday often associated with risky behavior.
Community impact and historical roots
Red Ribbon Week was launched nationwide in 1985 and has been observed locally for decades. In Rapid City, the campaign has grown into a cornerstone of community health outreach, supported by schools, churches, and nonprofit groups. The partnership model exemplifies how faith‑based values and traditional family structures can work together to safeguard the next generation.
City officials and community leaders encourage residents to attend events, volunteer, and spread the “Make a Difference, Be a Hero” message throughout the city. By uniting civic pride, parental involvement, and faith‑centered guidance, Rapid City hopes to set a strong example for other communities across South Dakota and the nation.
Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.
