THOUSAND OAKS : St. Paschal Baylon Festival Begins Friday

The annual St. Paschal Baylon festival in Thousand Oaks will kick off today and continue through the weekend at St. Paschal Baylon Church on Janss Road, organizer Joe Smolarski said.

Proceeds from the festival--which usually attracts more than 7,000 visitors--support local charities, senior citizen care, food baskets for the needy, youth groups and school scholarships.

Smolarski estimated the festival would raise several thousand dollars.

The festival will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. today and from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.

The festival will feature five adult and five children’s rides, plus a haunted house for children. The rides, which include a ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and a new attraction called the Casino, will cost $1.50 to $2 for adults and $1 for children.

An auction at 6 p.m. Saturday will offer artwork, vacation trips, dinner coupons and autographed sports memorabilia. Less expensive items will be available in an all-day “silent auction” on Sunday, during which potential buyers can submit their bids in writing.

Organizers are also offering a Tiny Tots Afternoon from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, when children ride free and get complimentary popcorn and soda. Adults can play bingo both days and enter a drawing for a chance at the grand prize--a trip to Hawaii.