Red Ribbon Week kicks off with comedy basketball game

The Harlem Ambassadors are coming to Kalispell to kick off Red Ribbon Week by challenging the Flathead CARE All-Stars, a team of local competitors, in a comedy basketball game. 

Red ribbons will be distributed on Monday, Oct. 22, as a symbol of the fight against substance abuse. 

At 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, The Ambassadors will perform Harlem-style basketball show at Glacier High School, featuring high-flying slam dunks, ball-handling tricks and comedy routines. Between quarters and during halftime, players will invite audience members to participate in interactive games. Afterward, players are available to sign autographs. 

The Harlem Ambassadors represent a drug-free, athletic and academic lifestyle — each player having played college basketball and earning a college degree. They use their basketball skills to benefit nonprofit organizations, performing more than 200 shows a year.

Advance tickets for the game are available at Red Lion Hotel, Universal Athletic Services, Kalispell Middle School, Flathead High School and Bigfork Drug. Tickets for students and seniors are $7 in advance and $9 at the door; tickets for adults are $9 in advance and $11 at the door. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free. Proceeds benefit Flathead CARE’s youth programs.

The rest of week’s events are planned by Flathead CARE, a drug-prevention organization.

A swim night at The Summit will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 24. Cost is $1 for nonmembers and free to Summit members. This event is limited to the first 50 children.

Two free screenings of “Ice Age: Continental Drift,” are set for 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, at Signature Cinemas. Wear a red ribbon for free admission. Tickets will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Advance tickets aren’t available.

“Say Boo to Drugs,” ice-skating and Halloween party will be a howling good time for all ages. The event, featuring a D.J., will be from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at Woodland Park Ice Center. Costumes are encouraged. Free admission with red ribbon. Skate rental is $3. There will be a bonfire, games, s’mores, prizes and food concessions.

To cap off the end of Red Ribbon Week, a “Teen Night” is planned at The Summit on Saturday, Oct. 27. Students in grades 6-12 are invited to attend from 9 to 11 p.m. Cost is $2 for nonmembers with free admission for Summit members.

For more information call 751-3970.