Toddler Event to Kick Off Health Fest

Pint-sized athletes will crawl, toss balls and dance their way through the Rock, Roll & Stroll Toddler Triathlon Sunday--the opening event to the daylong Well and Aware 1996 health festival at Universal CityWalk.

The second annual health festival includes demonstrations of healthful gourmet cooking, rock climbing, senior aerobics and “age-cheating” makeup techniques.

“In an Olympic year, when all sorts of attention is focused on feeling good, . . . this [festival] is a one-stop place where you can go and find out what the latest trends are” in health, beauty and fitness, said Susan Yannetti, an event spokeswoman.

Tai chi, yoga and self-defense techniques will be demonstrated, and fitness guru Karen Voight will perform workout routines from her series of aerobics videos.

Other scheduled events include a session on financial planning, diet tips, choosing a personal trainer and organic produce home delivery.

The event will also include activities for youngsters, including an earthquake preparedness puppet show; the “Safe Moves” safety demonstration, which teaches youngsters to be safe on the streets, and a child fingerprint booth.

The free festival is open to the public. There is a $10 entrance fee for Rock, Roll & Stroll, which will benefit the March of Dimes.

Registration for Rock, Roll & Stroll will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the triathlon will start at 10. Festival performances and demonstrations will continue until 6:45 p.m. All festival events will take place at CityWalk, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City.