Red Bluff Round-Up Parade Officially Smokefree After 68 Years

The American Lung Association congratulates the Red Bluff-Tehama County Chamber of Commerce for promoting safe and healthy spaces.

The Red Bluff Roundup parade, organized by the Red Bluff-Tehama County Chamber of Commerce, will take place Saturday, April 16th in Red Bluff and notably, this year’s event will be the first in its 68 year history to officially be designated a “smokefree event.” This means that all North Valley residents hoping to enjoy the springtime weather can now look forward to the Red Bluff Round-Up Parade in a smokefree, healthier environment for their entire family. 

The parade, which has been inactive for the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is making its long-awaited return with the support of the community. In partnership with the American Lung Association, the event is going smokefree and will no longer allow smoking or vaping along the parade route and where crowds are gathered to participate in the festivities. Creating an environment that is fun and healthy for all to enjoy is a priority for the Red Bluff-Tehama County Chamber of Commerce. Going smokefree ensures all participants are protected from secondhand smoke, including secondhand vape aerosol, and the risks that come from exposure.

“The community wants safe and healthy spaces to enjoy outdoor events, and that is what the Red Bluff Tehama County Chamber of Commerce has provided. Secondhand smoke can trigger asthma attacks in children and make it difficult for adults with lung conditions like COPD to breathe, which can mean they are left out of community events. Cleaner air means everyone can join,” said Symphanie Algodon, Health Promotions Coordinator for the American Lung Association. “It is also great to see rodeo culture breaking its ties with the “Big Tobacco” industry, a relationship that has caused so much devastation and disease in rural communities. That’s not the legacy we want to continue.” 

Adult tobacco use tends to be higher in rural communities compared to the general population (25.6% vs. 14.6%, respectively).1 This is due, in part, to the tobacco industry’s targeted marketing strategies in rural communities that shape the cultural norms and behaviors and contributes to higher rates of tobacco-related cancers.2 Events like the Red Bluff Round-Up Parade going smokefree help protect rural legacies and ensure that everyone can enjoy the event without the worry of being exposed to secondhand smoke. The American Lung Association has supported seven events going smokefree in the Northern Valley region in the last two years and hopes to welcome many more.

The Lung Association is proud to provide sponsorships and smokefree signage to support local event organizers who host smokefree events in North Valley communities. If you are interested in making your community event smokefree or are interested in advocating for smokefree spaces as a community member, please contact our team at [email protected].  


Citations: 
1. Rural Communities - Tobacco Free CA

2. https://www.ccrcal.org/download/68/special-reports-for-all-cancers/8207/burden-of-tobacco-related-cancers-in-california-1988-2017.pdf

For more information, contact:

California Media Contact
(310) 359-6386
[email protected]

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