BAKER — Local businesses, two North Okaloosa churches and the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office are raising drug abuse awareness this weekend.
Doug Griffith Memorial Stadium on Friday will host "Free 2013,” which will include activities — from inflatable bounce houses to flag football games and a dunking booth featuring Baker School staff — for sixth- through 12th-graders.
Attendees can win a tablet, gas cards and a ski trip to North Carolina for two.
Fun activities will mix with a reality check, courtesy of the sheriff’s office and Bonifay area resident Jerrod Jenkins, who will share his experience with substance abuse.
"He used to struggle with a drug addiction," said Justin Douglas, Pilgrim Rest youth minister. "He later got clean, got saved and is now a pastor."
Counseling and resources will be available for attendees needing assistance.
Organizer Ruth Rainey said the event grew from a small church gathering ─"It started out as a way to reach our youth for drug prevention,” ─ to a community-wide event.
Free 2013 is sponsored by First Baptist Church of Holt and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, along with Oliver's Nursery and Hub City Smokehouse and Grill, which will provide free food.
Want to go?
What: Free 2013
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: Baker School’s Doug Griffith Memorial Stadium, 14th Street
An earlier version of this article stated the "Free 2013" starts at 7 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. Event organizers called in the clarification.
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: "Free 2013" focuses on drug abuse awareness this Friday