Imagination Takes Flight at Close of Valley Fair

Shut up and jump!

So dared the T-shirts worn by the self-professed adrenaline-addicted employees of Bungee Outerlimits, one of the most popular new attractions at the San Fernando Valley Fair.

“I’m hooked!” declared rookie jumper Melissa Kephart of Burbank, clambering off the enormous yellow safety cushion after making a mighty backward leap from the top of the bungee tower. “It’s taken me two days to work up the nerve to do this,” said the twentysomething Kephart, who squeezed in her perilous plunge on the last day of the fair.

An estimated four-day total of 51,000 people braved the scorching heat at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center in Burbank for the 48th San Fernando Valley Fair, sponsored by the 51st District Agricultural Assn. For those who prefer less pulse-pounding pleasures than bungee diving, there were carnival rides, cold lemonade and soap- and lace-making demonstrations.

But not everybody loved the event. On Saturday, the activist group Last Chance for Animals displayed banners and handed out leaflets at the fair’s entrance to protest the treatment of bulls in the two Bull-O-Rama events. Fair spokeswoman Georgia Cluver said the protesters dispersed after being told by police that they would be arrested for demonstrating on private property.

On Sunday, the fair’s management closed some rides to prevent patrons from getting blisters caused by the sun pounding down on metallic seats and slides.

But there was no lack of activities to keep Valley residents entertained.

To take on the flesh-sucking effects of centrifugal force, sisters Nicole, 14, and Jennifer Keith, 10, of Chatsworth hopped on a giant, revolving wheel called Roundup. Jennifer said Roundup is one of her favorite rides because she likes to get dizzy.

Marisa and Adam Van Houten, ages 7 and 4, opted to play Simon Says at Kids Games, under the shade of the Children’s Fun Stage.

Some guests walked away from the fair with a balloon and cotton candy in hand, having tasted a piece of old-fashioned America. Then there were people who will remember the 48th San Fernando Valley Fair for their daredevil jumps. Said Kephart: “It was the most exciting thing I’ve ever done in my life.”