Mercer County, NJ — The L.E.A.D. Fest State Fair is set to kick off its 2026 season on January 5 at the Mercer County Park Festival Grounds, bringing together families, educators, and community leaders for an event focused on prevention, education, and community engagement. The festival is hosted by Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence (L.E.A.D.), a non-profit organization dedicated to creating safer, healthier communities by preventing substance abuse, reducing crime, and combating bullying and violence.
L.E.A.D.’s mission extends far beyond the festival grounds. The organization’s strategy centers on empowering both youth and adults with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to resist drugs and violence. At the core of L.E.A.D.’s efforts is a commitment to fostering strong connections between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Expanding a Nationwide Prevention Model
One of L.E.A.D.’s primary goals is to grow its evidence-based prevention programs from their current reach in 44 states to every state across the country. Through a combination of school partnerships, community events, and interactive programming, the organization aims to reach a broad audience with lessons that resonate at both the personal and community level. By 2026, L.E.A.D. plans to educate over 1.5 million students nationwide about the dangers of drugs, crime, and bullying.
A key element of L.E.A.D.’s approach is its 10-week curriculum, “Too Good for Drugs,” which is designed to provide students with practical tools to navigate life’s challenges. The program is slated to expand to an additional 1,000 schools, offering resources and training for educators to help shape informed, resilient, and confident young people.
Empowering Students with Life Skills
L.E.A.D.’s classroom programs focus on tangible skills that can make a real difference in young lives. Students learn decision-making strategies to help them make safer choices and refusal skills to confidently resist peer pressure and avoid drugs. Social-emotional development is another cornerstone, with lessons in self-confidence, effective communication, and conflict resolution. The program also emphasizes risk awareness, helping students understand the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and prescription opioids before they are confronted with them in real life.
Strengthening Communities Through Partnership
Beyond the classroom, L.E.A.D. works to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public. The organization believes that positive, proactive relationships between officers, educators, and families are crucial to maintaining safe neighborhoods. L.E.A.D. also positions law enforcement as leaders in addressing the ongoing opioid crisis, providing resources such as street-accessible Naloxone to prevent overdose deaths and raise awareness of substance abuse risks.
Community members attending the festival will experience a range of interactive activities, educational demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with law enforcement in a collaborative, family-friendly environment. The festival is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the power of partnership, education, and community resilience.
Those interested in learning more about L.E.A.D.’s initiatives, upcoming events, and educational programs can explore additional resources on Explore New Jersey, including guides to family-friendly events, community programs, and local opportunities to engage with prevention initiatives.
The 2026 L.E.A.D. Fest promises to be a meaningful start to the year for families and community leaders, highlighting the importance of education, empowerment, and collaboration in building stronger, safer communities throughout New Jersey.
