Youth from the Iron Range are gathering this evening to demonstrate their advocacy for a tax increase on cigarettes in Minnesota.
More than 150 members of Iron Range Youth in Action and their families will gather at 6:30 p.m. at Silber Lake Beach in Virginia, according to the American Lung Association of Minnesota, which is joining them in the event.
At 7 p.m., they'll be sending 160 sky lanterns over the lake (don't worry, the 3-foot-tall lanterns are biodegradable). The number of lanterns represents the proposed $1.60-per-pack tax increase.
They'll also roast s'mores on the beach because they are advocating for s'more tobacco taxes, the lung association's news release said.
The event is part of Kick Butts Day, a national day of activism that encourages young people to speak out against tobacco.
