ADAM DAVIS/Acorn Newspapers LOCAL STARS-Amanda Freeman, Amanda DelaPlane, Debrah Thompson, and Andrew DelaPlane perform a number together during the Family Fest Talent Show at Royal High School.

People. Purpose. Passion. This was the anthem of the third annual Family Fest 2004, held last weekend on the Royal High School soccer field to celebrate family values, safety and community pride.

With more than 7,000 patrons in attendance, the fair drew not only Simi Valley residents, but inquiring neighbors from Thousand Oaks, Moorpark and the surrounding Conejo Valley.

Cornerstone Community Church of Simi Valley sponsored the Fest.

The track was transformed into a throng of kid-friendly rides, shows and attractions. Later, a talent show that was sponsored by American Vision Windows awarded a grand cash prize of $2,500.

Local restaurants such as Millie’s, Marie Calender’s and Macaroni Grill donated samples of their cuisine to passersby at nominal prices. The fair itself was free.

Event Coordinator Johnny Karls laughed when asked how proceeds from the Fest would be used by Cornerstone.

"There are hardly any proceeds," Karls confessed. "We only get back about a third of what we spend. We want it to be an environment that is not a marketplace. We just want a place where a whole family can spend $20 and have a great time for a whole evening."

Karls spent 15 years as a cameraman in the entertainment industry before turning to the ministry. Now, as the Director of Outreach at Cornerstone, he says his job is to give back to the people who have given so much to the church.

  "It’s not a religious event," Karls said, "but that’s what we’re about and that’s why we offer this to people. We want to clearly communicate the God of the Bible, and then let people decide for themselves."

From the wildly popular Blue Tsunami slide to the roundabout pony rides, there was undeniably something for everyone. Clowns, face-painting, balloon animals and the old-fashioned sack race were just a few of the activities from which to choose.

Sunset brought the day to a peaceful close. The smell of popcorn permeated the air while moms cuddled their tired kids. As dads began losing steam too, the animated film, "The Prince of Egypt," played on a specially deployed drive-in screen.

In the spirit of family togetherness and summertime memories, Family Fest gave Simi Valley residents another authentic reason to feel proud about where they live.

To learn more about future Cornerstone activities, call 581-9532.