Stargazing for Charity at N. Hollywood Park

It is unlikely that the 50,000 people who are expected at this weekend’s third annual Charity Starscene festival at North Hollywood Park will run out of things to do.

The festival includes photo opportunities with TV and movie stars; performances by country music singer Rosie Flores, blues saxophonist Big Jay McNeely and salsa musicians; carnival rides, and a chance to view exotic animals.

The festival is produced by the Universal City/North Hollywood Chamber Foundation. Proceeds will benefit the Children’s Adoption Agency of Los Angeles County and the Wildlife Waystation in Angeles National Forest above Lake View Terrace, a facility where abused and discarded exotic animals are nursed back to health and then donated to zoos.

Attractions include two stages for live music; 20 carnival rides; storytelling, puppets and magic shows for children; zoo animals; game booths, and the Starscene Celebrity Pavilion where festival goers can be photographed with TV and movie personalities, including actors from “Murder She Wrote,” “Falcon Crest,” “Alf,” “My Two Dads,” “Dallas,” “Who’s the Boss” and “Empty Nest.”

In addition to Flores, McNeely and the salsa groups, music will be provided by the rock band Billy Million and Hip, Slick & Cool with vocalists Bobbie Kimball, Bonnie Bramlett and Devon Meade, and a series of gospel music groups.

The zoo animals will be provided by Wildlife Waystation. “They are bringing in, among other animals, a water buffalo, Bengal tiger, leopard and alligator, and setting up a petting zoo for the kids to experience and learn about,” festival chairman Lewis Wright said. Pet an alligator?

“Well, not actually hands-on petting, but for lack of a better way to describe the closeness at which the animals will be available to experience, it’s called a petting zoo,” Wright said.

A Health Scene pavilion will be staffed Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. with health practitioners who will check blood pressure and cholesterol levels and give out nutritional information.

Charity Starscene Festival, North Hollywood Park at Magnolia Boulevard and Tujunga Avenue. Open today, 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, noon to midnight; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. Tickets are $6, $4 for seniors and $2 for children ages 5 to 12. For information call (818) 509-7827.