On Today: School Kids at MOSI for Mendez Anti-Drug Walk, Banner Contest

More than 5,000 school-age kids will gather today, Oct. 1, at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI), 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, to celebrate a commitment to living happy, drug-free lives.

The annual Too Good For Drugs Walk & Kidfest is co-sponsored by the Hillsborough County Criminal Justice Department with the Mendez Foundation.

The aim is to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use and encourages them to take a visible stand against drugs in the community.

The event kicks off at 8 a.m. with a banner contest and pre-walk activities including entertainment from Radio Disney and appearances by the Mendez Foundation’s Carmen the Cool Cat, Wagner the Peaceable Pup and other loveable mascots.

Face painters, balloon entertainers and games and activities also will be part of all the festivities.

The celebrations continue with the Too Good for Drugs Walk at 9:30 a.m. The Too Good for Drugs Banner Contest is one of the highlights of the day.

Creative, prevention-themed banners that students from area schools and community agencies designed will be on display. More than 75 schools and groups will compete for cash prizes.

Admission to MOSI is free from 10 a.m. to noon. The first 3,000 kids will receive a Too Good for Drugs T-shirt. Several community agencies will be on site at Kidfest with information for parents and games and activities for kids.

The Mendez Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization providing drug and violence prevention education in Hillsborough County Public Schools.

For more information, contact Eddie Santiago, Hillsborough County Criminal Justice, at 813-276-2126.