Orange Fest is a free community event in two parts. The purpose is to create a positive community for all while providing information in a casual environment. We attended a conference this summer at which a speaker said what works in reaching young people are activities that connect. Not activities that scare, bore or invoke eye rolls because teens know the information is false. It is our intention and hope to convey to parents, and especially teens, that they matter. We respect them. We want to support them. And we care. This event is a reflection of the creativity, dedication and generosity of our CV Youth Alliance, our board members and you, our strategic partners.

The first part is for parents/adults and runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the county building of CV Park.

Orange Fest is a chance for parents to walk thorough an informational expo and talk to experts who live and/or work in CV. Orange Fest is also a chance for adults to remove unused, unwanted and expired medicines from their homes.

The second part is for teens and runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the county building and the parking lot near the dog park.

Teens can go through the expo and ask questions of experts who live, work and currently go to school in CV from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. They will receive a free wristband for one free meal after visiting a still undetermined number of booths. We have asked people talking to teens to think of interactive ways to show the downsides of alcohol and drugs, like trying to open a lock with a key while wearing drunk goggles.

Teens who don’t go through the expo will have to purchase their own refreshments.

All teens can attend our free carnival from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and enjoy rides, food trucks, music, a photo booth, airbrush tattoos and other activities.

For more information, visit our website cv-alliance.org.

Orange Fest is Saturday, Aug. 15. For information or to volunteer, email youth@cv-alliance.org.

CV Alliance works to help prevent underage substance abuse. Join us at Orange Fest! It’s going to be sweet!