‘Youthfest 90660’ Beats TV Any Day

The kids in Pico Rivera have it all over Brenda and Kelly.

Sure, the two girls from television’s “Beverly Hills 90210” have cool clothes and live in really big houses, but all they ever do is sit around whining. Totally boring.

In Pico Rivera, they’ve got “Youthfest 90660,” a dance contest, talent show, battle-of-the-gladiators race and awards for even the most prodigal of children.

Beat that, Brenda.

Organizers say the second annual youth festival on the first day of spring is about having fun and showing children of all ages that there are ways to amuse themselves without getting into trouble.

“The kids here have gotten a lot of negative publicity, about gangs and such,” said Ralph Aranda, manager of Pico Rivera’s Recreation and Community Services Department. “This is a chance for us to show another side.”

In addition to a carnival with food booths and games, organizations such as the Boy Scouts and sports leagues will have representatives there--not exactly recruiting, but demonstrating the kind of fun they have, Aranda said.

The Youthfest will draw children from 4-year-olds to teen-agers, but most events are designed to interest specific age groups, Aranda said. For instance, Kidsmart is aimed at young children and offers presentations by sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and telephone company representatives.

At Kidsmart, children will act out emergency situations, learning how to dial 911 and recognize the symbol for poison on bottles. They will also create mock deputy badges for themselves. Children will be fingerprinted and have their photographs taken, with parent approval.

Ovations celebrates average preteens and teen-agers who have made extraordinary strides. “Recognition usually goes to kids who are good anyway--who get good grades and are voted most valuable players, that sort of thing,” Aranda said. “These awards are for kids who were failing and are now getting good grades or were on the wrong path and are now doing really well.”

Last year, about 20 plaques were given out. This year, Aranda expects the same number of winners from about 150 nominees.

Other events include a dance contest called “Rock Your World” and a talent showcase that was a big hit last year, Aranda said. All children are invited to enter the talent show and compete in the “gladiator” obstacle course, Aranda said.

A march for peace in the city will begin at Smith Park at 9 a.m. and conclude about noon, Aranda said. The march is not sponsored by the city, but Aranda said he thinks that the two events will coincide nicely.

The only cost of Youthfest, other than food and some of the games, is for the dance. Tickets are $1.50 in advance and $2 at the door. The city will put about $7,500 into the event, Aranda said.

Youthfest 90660 will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday at Smith Park, 6016 Rosemead Avenue. For more information, call (310) 942-7004.