By Isiah REYES

The Sunland Park Spring Carnival was home once again to live music, vendors, carnival rides and an Easter egg hunt that provided fun for the whole family. The annual event provided a broad spectrum of rides for a broad spectrum of ages.

Chair of the event and Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce boardmember Mark Seigel has been involved with the carnival for 10 years. Seigal said in the past people used to go to the carnival and say things like, “We have to pay to get in?” and then they would walk away. The carnival is now free and it seems it will be that way for the foreseeable future.

“My concept is, let people come in and decide what they want to spend their money on,” Seigal said. “Let them try and get a stuffed animal or buy a hot dog and give them value for their money. That’s the kind of community we have and that’s the kind of chamber we have now. We want to provide value.”

In addition to the carnival rides, another main attraction were the vendors. Most of the vendors were local businesses from the Sunland area. One of the vendors was local artist Rebecca Mate, who was attending the event for the first time.

“It’s always nice when the chamber of commerce has an event that brings out the community to be together,” Mate said. “We have a diverse community but we also have things in common like art. Everybody likes art and everybody likes carnivals.”

Dr. Charles Richardson, who was at a booth on behalf of Free My Spine Health Group, said he is a big fan of the Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce and other events like the Spring Carnival because it brings businesses together and gives business people a chance to meet each other.

The event also had a stage dedicated to showcasing live music. Saturday’s lineup included the Cavalry Chapel Band, Thundertap, the Firepoint Church Band, Tim Corbo’s Foothill Blues Revue and Cash on the Barrel Head. For kids, there were children’s arts and crafts, Phillip Powell’s Games, and Paint the Truck.

“The Spring Carnival at Sunland Park is a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to enjoy our beautiful park and spend time together,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Felipe Fuentes, 7th District. “It’s great when the City and organizations like the Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce and the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council work together to create a fun, safe and free event. I will continue working with community members to find new ways to celebrate our great City and one another.”

The carnival was a fundraising event not just for the community but also for the chamber of commerce. Seigal said it is a tradition to host the carnival and he hopes it will continue every year.

“It’s traditional for this community and it’s been going since before I was here,” Seigal said. “And I like tradition, it’s part of my blood and how I grew up. I love to provide it for the community. The kids love it so we try to give them an enriching experience every year.”

  Isiah REYES