Club hopes to get additional sponsors for nationally recognized event.

The City of Santa Clarita and the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley are looking for local organizations to participate in the fourth annual Day for Kids to be held 12 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 12.

Day for Kids is a major annual family event that attracts approximately 6,000 to Newhall Park, located at 24923 Newhall Avenue (between Hart High School and Placerita Junior High).  All activities are free- including entertainment, games, food, carnival rides, and a raffle.

“This event highlights the value of meaningful time between caring adults and children,” said Jim Ventress, chief professional officer for the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for adults to enjoy a local outing with their children absolutely free.”

Thirty organizations have already signed up to participate in the free  2009 event, and will offer video games, outdoor laser tag, magic performances, arts and crafts, a bean bag toss, pony rides, celebrity autographs, a money guessing game, puppet shows, crazy hat photos, cheer and dance lessons, a rubber duck game, table games, a car track, and child identification kits.

Free food will include hot dogs, apple slices, slushies, popcorn, cotton candy and drinks. The booth participants include local nonprofits, grocery chains, fast food restaurants, churches, medical offices, financial institutions, entertainment venues, and businesses.

Event sponsors are also needed. Current sponsors include Sam’s Club, Walmart, Westfield Valencia Town Center, Castaic Lake Water Agency, Whole Foods, Heart of the Canyons Church, Magic Mountain, McDonald’s, Mountasia Family Fun Center, Mad Dog Party, Farmers Insurance, and Priority One Credit Union.

“Day for Kids is about interactivity and giving the kids something fun to do,” said Pat Downing, Arts and Events supervisor for the City of Santa Clarita.  “Participants really need to put time, thought and energy into creating a fun activity for the kids.”

Anyone interested in providing a booth at the venue, offering sponsorship for the printing of the flyers and brochures, supplying hot dogs or drinks, or volunteering at the event should contact Jim Ventress at 661-254-2582 or Marjorie Blietz at 661-252-7274.

The Santa Clarita Day for Kids is considered one of the top Day for Kids events across the country. An estimated 1,500 Day for Kids events are planned nationwide.