10,000 MAY GO TO GAY FESTIVAL; ATTENDANCE FORECAST RISES.

Byline: Douglas Clark Daily News Staff Writer

A groundswell of interest in the first Lesbian and Gay Pride Festival in the community may draw as many as 10,000 people, more than twice the original estimate, organizers said Wednesday.

``I had no idea what an asset this event was going to be for the city of Simi Valley, for the gay people who live in Simi Valley - and the nongay people,'' said Paul Waters, coordinator for the May 31 event. ``It's a community hug.''

But the embrace apparently will not be shared by members of the Calvary Baptist Church, who plan to attend the festival, but not as supporters of a gay lifestyle, said the Rev. Dennis J. Chapman, pastor.

``The most effective way is not a loud protest but just one-on-one. We'll tell them we hate the sin but we love the sinner,'' said Chapman, who has lived in Simi Valley for 14 years. ``We'll talk to as many people as we can about Jesus Christ and how he can help them change their lifestyle.''

Waters said Chapman and others in the community will be welcome at the daylong event at the southwest corner of Los Angeles Avenue and Tapo Canyon Road, which will feature food, dancing and entertainers. General admission will cost $7. The price will be $4 for seniors, teens and disabled persons.

``The festival is celebrating gay and lesbian culture, but not to the exclusion of anyone else. Y'all come.'' Waters said. ``The Baptist Church will protest, but it just points out the reason this festival is happening.''

Police Chief Randy Adams said there will be a designated free-speech area for protesters. Setting up such an area is standard procedure for any large event that could draw people with opposing viewpoints, he said.

``Our only objective is to make sure it remains peaceful and everybody's rights on both sides of an issue are honored,'' he said. ``But we really don't have any indication that there's going to be any illegal or violent protesting.''

Brian Gabler, deputy city manager, said he has received about six calls from residents who are opposed to the event, which was announced in February.

Waters, 43, a Conejo Valley native, said the festival is drawing a lot of attention because of its location in the politically conservative suburb of Simi Valley.

``Most festivals are held in traditional gay ghettos - West Hollywood, the Hillcrest area of San Diego, San Francisco. But this is a festival in the suburbs, not in the middle of a large known gay community.''

Local vendors and businesses eager to expand their clientele will be represented at the festival, which has received a proclamation of support from the Ventura County Board of Supervisors.

Even the ?6

Los Angeles Police Department and the FBI will set up informational booths.

``The FBI - they need agents and this is an opportunity to recruit,'' Waters said. ``And businesses from Realtors to community groups have services to sell, and they see this as a market they want to address. Any business smart enough to come in this year is going to find themselves with a whole ton of new clients.''