Country Days goes Hollywood
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

As fall permeates the air, Moorpark Country Days are about to turn over a new leaf.

This year's festivities will include a larger children's game area, more vendors, and a popular singer and musician who will lead the parade as celebrity grand marshal.

The annual event is an opportunity for all Moorpark residents to come down to High Street for some wholesome hometown fun, said organizers.

This year's "Country Days Goes Hollywood" theme has been incorporated into many activities and the red carpet will be rolled out for visitors of all ages, they said.

Parade participants have been encouraged to wear creative costumes and the floats will feature Hollywood themes, said Debbie Heaslip, chairperson of this year's organizing committee.

"We have great entertainment, a Kids' Zone and booths for the parents to wander through and enjoy," she said.

The festivities will take place on High Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow, Oct. 6, starting with the parade and continuing with a street fair that includes entertainment on two stages.

Parade celebrity Grand Marshal Jason Scheff is the lead singer and bass player for the popular band Chicago. He and his family live in Moorpark.

Chicago is a poprockbluesjazz fusion band formed in 1967 and famed for a number of hit ballads. The band is one of the longest-running and most successful U.S. pop/rock 'n' roll groups.

In addition to enjoying the parade and local entertainment, atattendees are invited to visit close to 100 booths featuring vendors and community and civic organizations. They'll be able to grab a bite from 10 different food vendors.

"This year we'll have a whole area reserved just for kids," Heaslip said.

The Kids' Zone- featuring game booths, an obstacle course and laser tag- will encompass the entire north side of the Metrolink train station, she said.

Organizers had encouraged local schools to participate in the logo design contest. Peach Hill Academy, the school with the highest percentage of participants, was chosen to be the 2007 Country Days community grand marshal.

"It's a way to encourage children that this is also their community event," said Heaslip.

Clara Labagnara-Schimizzi, a third-grader from Peach Hill, won the artwork contest with her depiction of this year's Hollywood theme. Clara will receive a $100 savings bond.

Entertainment on Stage 1 will include Kimberly Jean, Freddy Lopez, a Latin blues performer, and the Villa Kids. Performances by Pam Rossi's dancers, Mari Millhouse and her advanced belly dancing class, and Jason Flame Karate Studio are also in the lineup.

Stage 2 will host Silver Ridge, Cody Road, Arlene Kole, and Midnite Train, a rock 'n roll cover band.

Country Days was originally a three-day event organized by the city and the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce. Now it's a one-day private venture put together by a group of volunteers and selffunded through sponsorships and registration fees without the use of public funds or tax dollars.