Ocala — The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is proud to join our community partners in hosting the annual Red Ribbon Week kickoff event on Friday, Oct. 21.

Held each October, Red Ribbon Week is Marion County’s yearly initiative to promote healthy lifestyles for children by encouraging them to avoid drugs and alcohol. This year’s theme is: “Celebrate Life. Live Drug Free.”

The launch of the week’s activities begins with a free movie night at the Ocala Drive-In, 4850 S. Pine Ave. in Ocala.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. The movies begin at dusk. The Drive-In will feature “Hocus Pocus” and “Nightmare Before Christmas” on Screen 1 and “Minions: Rise of Gru” and “Goonies” on Screen 2.

Red Ribbon Week is sponsored by the Marion County Children’s Alliance and the Community Council Against Substance Abuse. DOH-Marion partners with them in advocating children steer clear of drug and alcohol.

Representatives of the Department’s risk-avoidance team, BRAZEN, and Safe Kids program will attend the kickoff with educational materials for youth and parents.

Before the movies roll, the event will also offer free Sno-Cones, interactive and first-responder displays, swag bags (while supplies last) and other features.

DOH-Marion has supported Red Ribbon Week and its activities for more than 15 years. The Department helps its partners promote drug-prevention education to more than 30,000 youth in both public and private schools throughout Marion County.

Marion County’s efforts are part of a national Red Ribbon campaign that involves more than 100,000 schools and organizations. The event is dedicated to DEA Agent Enrique Camarena, who was murdered in 1985 by drug traffickers in Mexico.