‘FAMILY NIGHT’ AT CAL STATE FULLERTON

Bowling and billiards tournaments, Barney the Talking Car, a pie-eating contest and a children’s art exhibit are just a few of the eclectic offerings of Cal State Fullerton’s “Family Night,” to be held today from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the University Center.

Strolling clowns, mimes and jugglers will be on hand to entertain at the event, which is sponsored by the student-run center. At 7 p.m. in the center’s multipurpose room, Cal State’s Kaleidoscope Players will present Ronald Wood’s “The Magic in Me!”--a musical production that encourages children to develop better self-esteem.

Refreshments of the carnival variety--hot dogs, ice cream and popcorn--will be available. Craft activities will have a Halloween theme: Children can make masks, hats or “scary mobiles,” paint their faces or participate in a large coloring project.

In addition to bowling and billiards, there will be video games and “hacky-sac” tournaments. Sports-related activities also will include the showing of a film about Cal State’s baseball team and an appearance by campus cheerleaders.

Outside, the university’s Children’s Center will be stressing safety awareness. Officers from the Fullerton Police Department will bring Barney the Talking Car, and Smokey the Bear will appear with the Fullerton Fire Department, which will display a fire engine for close examination. “Fingerprints for the Future,” a fingerprinting booth for child identification, will feature speakers in Sesame Street costumes giving safety talks.

Children’s Center director Betsy Gibbs said she is pleased with the center’s involvement in “Family Night,” explaining that the professional, on-campus child care facility, which is funded by and serves students, does its best to involve its preschool charges in campus life. “We’re not just a baby-sitting service--we try to meet the children’s educational needs as well,” she said.

Children are encouraged to come dressed in Halloween costumes. Admission is $1 for adults and 50 cents for children under 12.