26th ANNUAL SALUTE TO RECREATION

Family Festival at Northridge Park

Northridge - The Department of Recreation and Parks hosted the 26th annual Salute to Recreation at Northridge Park on May 30 - June 1, 2008. The theme for this year's event was "Healthy Families, Healthy Communities". The Salute to Recreation Family Festival seeks to introduce families in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities to the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks programs and other recreational opportunities.

Northridge Park, in June of 1982, was the scene of the first Salute to Recreation Family Festival. At that time, the event consisted of a carnival, food booths, petting zoo, live elephant ride, chili cook-off, three stages of continuous entertainment, miniature train ride, arts and crafts and free fireworks show. Many community organizations and businesses were involved, and the event was an immediate success, attracting 50,000 people.The Annual Salute to Recreation Family Festival has continued to add many new attractions and our attendance surpasses 80,000 participants and spectators during the festival weekend.

This year's Salute, which is now the largest event in the San Fernando Valley, featured entertainment on four stages and food (both with international flavor), carnival rides and games, a petting zoo and inflatable attractions. An opening night dance for Seniors and a Teen Night were held at the event. The festival also included a skateboard competition, fireworks extravaganza, mural competition, silent auction, a ladies and children's tennis competition, International Children's Village, International Marketplace and Hawaiian Village.

For more information on this event or any other Department programs and or events, please visit our website at: http://www.laparks.org/.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jane Kolb: (213) 928-9294