Family Fest Highlights Healthy Lifestyles
In an effort to steer teenagers toward healthy lifestyles, two local health groups have joined together to present the seventh annual Clean and Sober Festival on Saturday at the David M. Gonzalez Recreation Center.
More than 40 local agencies and community groups--including MEND (Meeting Each Need With Dignity), People in Progress, Pueblo y Salud and the San Fernando Valley Partnership--will be on hand to distribute information about their services and to support the anti-drug and anti-alcohol theme of the festival, which is being sponsored by the Northeast Valley Health Corp. and New Directions for Youth.
“The emphasis is to bring to the community all of the resources that are available,” said Helen Arriola, director of government and public relations for the health agency. “It’s a fun atmosphere for families to come to the park and get all the information they need.”
The free festival will also feature food and game booths as well as continuous entertainment, including skits; Polynesian, African, Aztec and folklorico dancers; drill teams; drum corps; and a judo and boxing exhibition.
The festival, to run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., will kick off Red Ribbon Week in area schools, organizers said.
Started in 1985 after the slaying of federal drug enforcement agent Enrique Camarena, Red Ribbon Week encourages students nationwide to avoid drugs and alcohol and pursue healthy activities.
The David M. Gonzalez Recreation Center is at 10943 Herrick Ave. in Pacoima.
For more information about the festival, call (818) 375-1000, ext. 235.