After 13 years, Indiana Township's Youth Day will take a break next year.

The plan is for the event, which raises money for the township's DARE drug-and-alcohol prevention program, to return in 2011.

Township Supervisor George Dull, who serves on the Youth Day committee, informed fellow supervisors of the decision recently.

The supervisors voiced their support for shutting down the event for 2010.

The decision to suspend the event was based on reports that volunteers were difficult to find this year and donations from residents and local businesses are down because of the sour economy.

Plenty of volunteers are necessary to organize the event that attracted an estimated 3,000 people this year, including 700 children.

An annual raffle and donations usually covers most of the cost of the event and the township offers to chip in a small amount.

This year's Youth Day budget was $22,000, and it was the first year the committee needed to take advantage of the stipend from the township.

The break is designed to draw more interest for the event when it does return, said Indiana Township Police Officer Kirk Vandenbord, who along with Jeff Curti chaired this year's event.

"Volunteers are down and money is down from individuals and businesses," Vandenbord said.

The first two Youth Days were held in Rural Ridge. Then, the summer event was moved to Emmerling Park, where it has remained.

One tradition that has grown is that every youngster who registers has his name announced and is given a prize.

Collecting for the prizes and fundraising for DARE are just two responsibilities for volunteers and residents.

Money also is needed to cover the costs of food and fireworks.

The majority of the funding funnels in from community donations including those from businesses.

Dull said some of the local stores are feeling the economic pinch this year and are note able to donate as much as they have in the past.

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