Snow big deal to kids

Darleene Barrientos

To play or to slide? That was the question children faced Saturday

during the city’s 27th annual Winter Wonderland at Brand Park.

Sixty tons of snow attracted between 4,000 and 5,000 children and

parents to the event. The trucked-in snow was formed into four slides

on one of the park’s natural inclines, while two piles kept children

busy building snowmen, snow mountains and snow angels.

Children reveled in the snow activities, waiting in line for their

turns down snow slides, while many parents enjoyed the live

entertainment. Many children jumped at the chance to get their faces

painted, while teenagers chatted with a Glendale Police officer and

climbed inside a Glendale Police cruiser.

“We added 10 tons of snow this year, for the free play area,” said

Karen Fries, the city’s community services supervisor. “We’re hoping

to add more next year.”

For 7-year-old Denisa Waterinbee, playing in the snow was the

better logistical option.

“It’s better because of the line to the slide,” Denisa said.

Ryan Cortelyou, 7, intently dug a hole into the side of a snow

pyramid as his mother, Elizabeth, watched from the sidelines.

Most of the parents, many of whom stayed on the snow piles’

sidelines, were relegated to outer clothing-holding duty, like

Blandin Aghayani. Aghayani’s 3-year-old daughter, Monet, asked her

mother to rub her hands because they were cold, then shed her gloves

so she could build a snowman.

“She loves it,” Aghayani said of Monet playing in the snow.

“Actually, she was eating it. I turned around and she was eating it!”

Advocating the slides, 6-year-old Robert Agayn was in line to sled

down the snow slide for another run.

“It’s fun,” Robert said. “I already played in the snow. The slide

is better because it’s fun and fast, even though you have to wait in

line.”

Matthew Brunner, 5, couldn’t agree more but loved both snow

activities.

“I want to do it 500 times!” Matthew said, looking toward the end

of the snow slide line with anticipation. “I like both. I like the

slide because I can go really fast down the slide. [At the snow

pile], I can make snowmen, volcanoes and mountains and stuff.”

* DARLEENE BARRIENTOS

covers education. She may

be reached at (818) 637-3215

or by e-mail at darleene.barrientos

@latimes.com.