WINNETKA : Center Planning for Carnival This Weekend

Winnetka Recreation Center employees hope that more people are in the mood for cotton candy and an elephant merry-go-round this summer.

The center is preparing for its fourth annual summer carnival this weekend.

“Last year, because of the heat and the economy, we didn’t do very well,” center director Ed Laasko said. “We’re expecting this year to be better.” The recreation center is funded by the Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department, but depends on its own fund raising to pay for part-time employees, extra sports equipment and trophies for its programs.

Last year, the center made only $1,600 at the carnival, down from an average of $2,500 the two previous years. With about 10 rides for adults and small children and a food booth with traditional carnival fare, the event usually attracts about 3,000 people in its three-day run.

“There’s really something for everyone,” Laasko said.

Tickets are 60 cents each, with most rides requiring two tickets.

The hours of the carnival, which is set up on the recreation center’s grounds at 8401 Winnetka Ave., are flexible, depending on how early people show up. Today, the rides will start about 6 p.m.; on Saturday and Sunday, gates will open about noon.