TUJUNGA : Kid Fest Planned as YMCA Fund-Raiser

Preschoolers will be cycling and older children will be jumping rope to raise funds for their programs at the Verdugo Hills Family YMCA on Saturday.

Kid Fest is a first-time event which will combine fund-raising with a carnival and a Healthy Kids Day, in which the Los Angeles police and fire departments will give demonstrations on safety and drug and alcohol awareness.

The YMCA is also celebrating the fifth anniversary of its facility at 6840 Foothill Blvd. in Tujunga. The YMCA has been in the community since 1953, but operated from various locations.

A trike-a-thon, in its eighth year, will feature about 60 children riding tricycles to raise money from sponsors for equipment. The event usually raises about $3,000.

The Verdugo Hills Family YMCA runs the fund-raisers to help pay for child care when families cannot afford the service, Turner said.

In addition, there will be a demonstration on bicycle safety and helmets offered by a local bicycle shop, a youth fitness challenge and pool safety tips. The LAPD will also offer fingerprinting for children’s identification.

For its anniversary, the YMCA is offering tours of its facility, free one-week trial memberships and workout bags for those who get memberships that day.

Kid Fest will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.