Local organizers of World No Tobacco Day want your Memorial Day to be filled with fun instead of smoke. The international smoke-out will be celebrated from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at Camelot Park in Modesto. Students are encouraged to "leave the pack behind" and enjoy a day filled with activities and contests.

"First of all you'll have fun," said Donna Phillips, a health education assistant. "But you'll also get to focus on your health. It's a fun way of enjoying yourself while thinking about World No Tobacco Day."

Co-sponsored by the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency and Camelot Park, this is the third year of the event. Entrance is free and individual events range in cost.

Participants can take part in a gear exchange where tobacco-brand clothing can be swapped for smoke-free prizes. Educational quilts T-shirts will also be on display.

Health booths with information and games about tobacco will be open all day. Professionals will do checks for sores and conduct smoke-cessation clinics.

Members of the Cruisers soccer team will perform demonstrations and the Modesto A's mascot Peanut will make an appearance.

Students can sign up to create and perform their own songs for an anti-tobacco karaoke contest. The grand-prize winner will be given studio time to record a public service announcement to air on local radio. Teens can register up until the day of the event.

Other activities will include cart racing and a baseball clinic.

For more information call the Health Services Agency-Tobacco Education Program at 558-6055.

Reprinted by permission of Modesto Bee.