Conejo Valley Days:

Volunteers pull out stops for 350 kids to enjoy carnival.

By Carolyn Becker
Ventura County Star writer
Saturday May 6, 2000

Each spin around the train tracks increased the smile on Brett Kresco's face. As the 3-year-old's mother, Denise, held him firmly on her lap, Brett pretended to drive the cart as it whizzed around on the Convoy Train Ride, honking, steering and laughing.

And, more infectious laughter was heard from across the park where Cara Morales, 9, from Meadows School in Thousand Oaks was enjoying her first pony ride.

Brett and Cara were two of more than 350 children who participated in the 19th annual Special Kids Day on Friday at Conejo Valley Days in Thousand Oaks. Elementary-age students from special-education classes in the Conejo Valley, Simi Valley, Las Virgenes and Moorpark unified school districts enjoyed a day at the fair especially for them.

Volunteers from businesses, schools and service organizations joined the Zonta Club of the Conejo Valley in making Special Kids Day as special as its young guests. Each child had at least one partner who took them around to the carnival rides, exhibits and games on the grounds at Janss Road and Highway 23. Volunteers gave away free pictures of each child and everyone got a free hamburger lunch, also provided by volunteers.

Corey Comi, 10, has been to Special Kids Day for six years. The Garden Grove School fourth-grader said his favorite activity this year was looking at the ducks in the petting zoo.

"I think it is a great thing to do for the kids," said Ana Zepeda, Corey's volunteer buddy for the day, as Corey joyously received a black balloon mouse created for him by Gymie-Jo the clown. Zepeda has volunteered at the day for 11 years.

Charleen Cooley, Zepeda's colleague at Coldwell Banker Town and Country in Thousand Oaks, said her favorite part of the annual event, which she has participated in for six years, is seeing how happy the kids are.

"I feel good for a week after," Cooley said, as her charge received a large, colorful balloon flower from Gymie-Jo.

Volunteers dressed as Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Woody from "Toy Story" and Elmo posed for pictures and hugs with the exuberant fairgoers. The characters are one added treat only participants at Special Kids Day get to enjoy. The children also get to rule the fair with free rides and short lines during the morning event. Many of the children aren't able to attend the fair during usual hours, said event chairperson Patricia Scribner.