Hand out anti-drug buttons during the Red Ribbon Week parade.
Red Ribbon Week, typically celebrated the last full week in October, is the largest and oldest drug prevention campaign in America. The initiative aims to educate community members and children about the dangers of drug use, as well as the importance of drug prevention among youths. One way to share this message is through a parade float.
Balloons
Create a parade float that literally floats in the air with a balloon display. Buy dozens of red balloons. Rent a tank of helium and start blowing them up. Using a long piece of strong fishing line or light rope, create the simple red ribbon shape on the ground. Tie the ends of the red balloons going around this ribbon shape. Ensure each balloon is secured with a tight knot. During the parade, invite students to hold either end of the ribbon float and slowly walk the balloons through the parade.
Horses
Horses are a non-motorized mode of transportation that can be used in an eye-catching parade float. Find someone who works with the animals and ask whether she would like to get involved. Adorn the horse's saddle and reins with red ribbons and ask the rider to wear red, too. Create posters that people can carry as they walk beside the horse to further address Red Ribbon Week. Think of a slogan that incorporates the horse, such as "Animals don't do drugs. Why should you?". Ensure horses are permitted during the parade before moving forward with this idea.
Banners
Share the importance of drug awareness by displaying the message in a series of posters and banners. Start with strong papers of all sizes and secure them to pickets that participants can hold as they walk through the parade. Write "Red Ribbon Week" on a large banner that's at least 6 feet long. Create other posters with facts about drug abuse, including that using inhalants can cause sudden death through asphyxiation. Also include a banner that provides a way for parade spectators to get involved, such as a website about drug prevention.
Rolling Props
Create a Red Ribbon Week parade float that can be rolled down the street. Almost anything with wheels can be turned into a float -- wagons, baby strollers and wooden hay beds. Make a float design that can be pulled on one of these moving parts. Create over-sized, dirty-looking drug paraphernalia with a large red circle and cross around them. Or ask local students to ride on one of these larger moving beds to throw candy and red ribbons into the crowd as they're pulled through the festivities.
Tags: Ribbon Week, parade float, drug prevention, through parade, about drug, banner that
