surrounding World AIDS Day.

The annual commemoration will start with the distribution of red ribbons between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Friday.

A proclamation will be read from the steps of Hamilton's City Hall at noon, followed by the 2 p.m. planting of a Tree of Life in Paget's Botanical Gardens.

On Saturday, a sponsored walk, swim and run will start from Shelly Bay Park at 7 a.m., with the proceeds going to AIDS charity STAR.

And teenagers with any energy left are invited to a World AIDS Day party in Number 6 shed in Hamilton at 7.30 p.m.

On Sunday, a radio show will kick off the day's events, followed by an ecumenical church service at the Anglican Cathedral.

Over Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week four forums -- three for teenagers and one open to the general public -- will be held.

Forums for teenagers will take place at 1.30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in the Dr. E.F. Gordon Hall at BIU headquarters in Hamilton.

On Tuesday, the public forum featuring US AIDS activist Dr. Harold Katner will take place at St. Paul's Centennial Hall in Hamilton at 7.30 p.m.