Red Ribbon Week

Updated: Mon 11:59 PM, Oct 22, 2012

Lauderdale County kicked off the annual Red Ribbon Week, an occasion to encourage young people to be drug-free.

A ceremony at the courthouse Monday featured
popular TV character like Barney, Spongebob Squarepants, Dora the Explorer, and Big Bird.

Organizers of the event say it's important to take this message to kids before they get involved with things like illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

"It's very important to encourage people while they're younger to do the right thing," said Youth and Drug Court Judge Vel Young. "So when they are of age, it's a habit for them."

Young and her friends will be in most of the elementary schools in the city this week, talking with students about the importance of being drug-free.

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