LEESVILLE, LA - The Fort Polk Army Substance Abuse Program , in conjunction with the City of Leesville and the Vernon Parish Sheriff's Office, are hosting an inaugural Red Ribbon Week Parade on October 18 to kick off national Red Ribbon Week October 23 - 31, 2014.

The Fort Polk Army Substance Abuse Program is currently accepting applications for local businesses, schools, and civic organizations to participate in the parade.  The parade will begin at 10 a.m. October 18 on 3rd Street in downtown Leesville.

Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign started in 1985 after a Drug Enforcement Administration Agent was killed for his efforts to battle illegal drugs. Families and friends mobilized and began to wear ribbons to show their support of the agent's battle against drugs.

The National Family Partnership sponsored the first national Red Ribbon celebration in 1988. The event has acted as a catalyst to communities across the country and world to educate and encourage youth participation in drug prevention. Now, Fort Polk is partnering with Leesville and surrounding communities to gain participation for its inaugural Red Ribbon Week Parade.

"We are very excited to partner with the City and Sheriff's Office for this event," said Dena Perkins, a case manager for the Army Substance Abuse Program. "Building partnerships outside the gates greatly affects both communities. We are constantly interacting with each other, making Fort Polk and Leesville very dependent on one another. Events like the upcoming Red Ribbon Week Parade address potential issues, educate children and families of a positive, drug-free lifestyle, and plant seeds for community outreach and support. We are expecting a major turn out not only from Vernon Parish businesses, but surrounding schools and communities as well."

Businesses, schools and civic organizations are encouraged to enter their drug-free themed floats in the parade. There is no entrance fee. A Red Ribbon Themed trophy will be awarded afterward to the best floats in each category.

Individuals are also invited to participate in the parade to demonstrate their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle.

If you, your business, or group is interested in participating in the inaugural Red Ribbon Week Parade, please contact Dena Perkins at: dena.c.perkins.civ@mail.mil OR phone: (337)531-9493.

To download an entry form click here.

Click here to access a flyer you can use to advertise the event.