Organizers of the 29th annual Family Day in the Park say they hope the event Sunday will attract a few thousand more people than last year.

Between 5,000 and 6,000 people attended last year, said Betty Biedinger, events coordinator for the Santa Maria Valley YMCA.

“We hope that it will be bigger and better than last year,” Biedinger said. “We've had more interest from out-of-town vendors this year.”

Visitors can enjoy food, carnival games, a water slide, bounce house, face painting and live entertainment.

“There will be things to do for all ages, including a climbing wall, which is new this year,” Biedinger said. “We're excited about it.”

Family Day will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Waller Park, 300 Goodwin Road, off Highway 135, in Santa Maria. It is sponsored by the Santa Maria Valley YMCA, Friends of Waller Park and the Santa Maria Breakfast Rotary. Admission is free.

Families can park at K-Mart, 2875 Santa Maria Way, and take a free shuttle, operated by SMOOTH, to the park entrance. The shuttle will run every 15 minutes.

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Most of the revenue from Family Day will go toward the cost of putting on the event.

“It is a community event focused on outreach to the public,” Biedinger said, adding that the event is not intended to be a fundraiser.

Organizers have been preparing for two to three months.

“As it's getting closer, things have been getting more hectic,” Biedinger said.

Live entertainment will include music by D.J. Jay Turner throughout the day, as well as performances by Sisk's Lifetime Martial Arts Academy from 10:30 to 11 a.m.;

Barbershop Singers from 11 to 11:30 a.m.; YMCA Diamond Elite Dancers from 11:30 to 11:45 a.m.; Still Evolving, a live band, from 11:45 a.m. to

2 p.m.; Greening the Future,

2 to 2:30 p.m.; and Zoo to You from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m.

The Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (PG&E) has provided a $1,000 grant to fund the “Greening our Future” event, focusing on the small ways people can conserve power and protect the environment. Children of all ages are also invited to help plant a tree at

2 p.m. Sunday.

In addition, the YMCA will be giving away an energy-efficient washer and dryer as a part of the Flex Your Power energy savings campaign.

One of the most popular Family Day attractions - the Huck Finn Fishin' Derby - will return this year. In past years, the pond at Waller Park has been fenced off and kids have gone fishing for bluegill or catfish.

“There is a little something for everybody,” Biedinger said.

For more information, contact the YMCA at 937-8521 or visit www.smvymca.org.

August 16, 2008