Summer Youth Festival Is A 'BLAST'

BROOKSVILLE - Anti-drug groups have come a long way since "Just Say No."

The point of Saturday's First Annual Summer Youth Festival was to offer drug-free choices for children and teens. They went a long way to show kids that a moral choice was the right one.

The event included live positive hip-hop, a drum performance by B.L.A.S.T., giveaways, skits and youth speakers.

Cloudy skies might have affected the turnout, but organizers still think the event went without a hitch.

"Given the weather, yeah I think it met expectations," said Lisa Hammond of the Hernando County Community Anti-Drug Coalition. "We have a turnout, so that's good."

The group organized the festival along with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office and the Fine Art's Council. It was held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Hernando Park Bandshell.

The show featured motivational speeches, loud music and games. The latter included more of the unconventional variety - including one that had contestants holding in a mouthful of Alka-Seltzer and Sprite to see who could go the longest without spitting.

One of the contestants had on a sweatshirt in spite of the hot, humid weather. When one of the emcees commented about her wardrobe choice, she told him the wording on her T-shirt was not appropriate for the event.

She volunteered to cover it up by whatever means necessary.

That was the lesson of the day - making the right choice.

"These kids need to hear about morals," said Cheri Klunder, of Brooksville, who brought her two daughters and nephew with her. "This is a great combination of fun and getting the right point across. It teaches them to believe in themselves."

Admission was free.

"This gives them perspective on why (principles) are so important," Hammond said. "They are learning how to relax without alcohol and drugs.