CSU, Chico News

California State University, Chico's 2006 Fun Without Alcohol Fair on Thursday, April 27, will encourage Butte County youth to "Be Cool, Alcohol and Drug Free" with the help of more than 60 interactive booths. Approximately 1,500 students from Butte County schools are expected to attend.

Now in its 17th year, the event will take place from 10 am to 2 pm on the Kendall Hall lawn and adjoining areas. The event has a theme each year to appeal to youth, and this year's fair uses a penguin to illustrate that young people can "Be Cool" without alcohol or drugs.

Organized by the Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center (CADEC) and funded in part by the Associated Students Activity Fee Council, the day-long fair is designed to promote healthy alternatives to alcohol, drug and tobacco use to school-age children. The fair is free to children attending with their class, or a parent or guardian.

Campus and community organizations will host fun, interactive booths, games and activities around a healthy lifestyle theme. Each booth host is encouraged to promote an alcohol- or drug-free message, teach children a healthy lifestyle fact or encourage kids to resist peer pressure to use substances.

This year, 64 campus and community groups have signed up to participate. Groups will compete to earn prizes for the most creative, interactive and educational booths, as well as for a "best in show" award.

Planned activities range from "ice" fishing, a petting zoo and art projects to game-show quizzes, athletic challenges and obstacle courses.

This year the fair will also embrace a healthy environment theme with EARC (Environmental Action Resource Center) promoting healthy choices through environmental education and activities, including a stage performance of The Lorax, an award-winning show based on the Dr. Seuss book about pollution and environmental damage.

Additional entertainment throughout the day will include hip hop and Irish dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, a magician plus appearances by Chico State Mascot "Willie the Wildcat" and "Rascal the Raccoon," the official mascot of the Chico Outlaws Baseball Club.

Additional information about the fair is available by contacting CADEC at 530-898-6450.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, April 20th, 2006 at 8:30 am and is filed under 2006 Spring.