Local teenagers will have an opportunity to gather for an afternoon of fun, encouragement and fellowship later this month, as Restore Church hosts the Okmulgee County Youth Rally on Saturday, Feb. 28.

The free event will take place from 1-3 p.m. at the Dunbar Middle School Gymnasium, located at 1421 Martin Luther King Drive, and is open to students ages 12 to 18 from across Okmulgee County and surrounding communities.

Organizers say the rally is designed to give area youth a positive, energetic environment filled with activities, food and opportunities to connect with others their age.

“This is meant to be a day the students can enjoy- something uplifting, something fun and something that reminds them they matter,” organizers shared in announcing the event.

The rally will feature free pizza, games and prize giveaways, with organizers noting that more than $1,000 worth of prizes will be awarded during the event. Among the top giveaways are AirPods, bicycles and a PlayStation 5.

Students are encouraged to register in advance. According to organizers, the first 200 students who register will receive twice the chance to win a free PS5, although participants must be present at the rally to claim prizes.

Registration is available online at https://forms. gle/YdPnoMgUbpdfh1kA8.

While pre-registration is recommended, organizers say the main goal is simply to provide a welcoming space for youth throughout the county.

Restore Church representatives say they hope the rally will bring together students from multiple schools and communities, strengthening connections across Okmulgee County.

“This is about investing in our youth,” organizers said. “We want them to have a place where they can have fun, meet people and leave feeling encouraged.”

Organizers encourage parents, youth leaders and schools to help spread the word so that as many students as possible can take part in the event.

For updates and registration information, residents can use the online registration link or follow announcements from Restore Church in the days leading up to the rally.