The Roanoke Area Youth Substance Abuse Coalition (RAYSAC) is sponsoring the 17th Annual Red Ribbon Week celebration for the Roanoke Valley.
The red ribbon was designated as the symbol of intolerance of illegal drug use and a commitment to a drug free life style.
It is now an ongoing national campaign with the last week in October being designated as Red Ribbon Week.
The celebration provides an opportunity for communities to unite and raise awareness of alcohol and other drug abuse.
This year's theme is "The Best Me is Drug Free".
Roanoke area schools will be competing by planning school activities throughout the week of October 21st through October 27th.
There is also a elementary poster contest and a middle and high school media contest.
A candlelight ceremony will take place on October 28th, at Hotel Roanoke at 3:30 p.m., at which time all the winners will be announced.
