Starscene Fiesta ’98 Called Family Pleaser

Valerie Bernstein’s family had seen all the summer movies, done all the summer things. Well, almost all. Only one thing was missing from the Toluca Lake family’s vacation resume--the old-fashioned carnival, with its colorful cavalcade of snack vendors, magic shows and crafts booths.

On Sunday, the four Bernsteins--including husband Rich, daughter Sabrina, 6, and son William, 3--took care of that omission at Starscene Fiesta ’98.

“It’s the perfect family event,” said Valerie Bernstein. “It’s got something for everyone.”

The three-day event, sponsored by the Universal City-North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, was held at North Hollywood Park. Dave Potell, vice president of the chamber, said 20,000 people attended the carnival, which is expected to raise $15,000.

Half the proceeds will go to the park’s general fund, to be used to repair aging park equipment and to support youth recreation programs. The remainder will be used by the chamber for community programs and business promotion projects.

Magician Hugo Wei pleased a crowd of more than 200 with an assortment of illusions, escape tricks and hypnotist acts, while the children’s zoo was especially popular with children. It featured both exotic and domestic animals, including llamas, baby kangaroos, emus, goats, pigs and cockatoos.

A giant anteater received several minutes of affection from 12-year-old Brittany Wilson, of Valley Village, who attended the event with her mother, Pamela Wilson.

Brittany petted and petted the sleeping animal and finally delivered her considered verdict. “It was kind of a weird feeling, kind of like a pig,” she said.