JOHN DAY – Teens had one more option for fun – and a soft spot to land – at the Grant County Fair and Rodeo this year.

The youth coalition had a strong presence this year at the Grant County Safe Communities booth where high school students Kelsi Reyes, Ashley Witty, Bre Wilson, Preston Ake and Lincoln Mosier each had shifts.

They attracted other youth to the fun spot to play pictionary on a dry erase board, a text-messaging game (to see who could text safety messages to their friends the fastest) and a Wii Rock Band video game while kicked back on a sofa.

The safety wheel was another choice that had kids and adults answering road safety questions, such as, “Yes or No: Should you get a ride from someone who is drowsy?” The answer: No, drowsy drivers are just as dangerous as drunk drivers.

There were prizes for winners of the games, including colorful plastic bracelets and wearable blinking lights.

“One of the things we do is try to provide a sense of leadership for the rest of the teens in Grant County and everywhere else,” said Wilson, “just to show them that they don’t need drugs or alcohol in their lives, that we can have fun without that.”

Wilson says that other teens wanting to join the coalition are welcome. For more information, contact one of the youth coalition members or call Kerryann Woomer at 575-4068.