HOLIDAY SHOPPERS FLOCK TO SIMI FESTIVAL.

Byline: Ann-Marie Sanchez Daily News Staff Writer

Simi Valley residents braved strong gusts of wind and threatening clouds Sunday looking for the perfect handcrafted gift at the Harvest Festival in Rancho Santa Susana Community Park.

Lauren Temple, 33, and her mother, Katherine, wandered among booths of more than 135 vendors sporting holiday decorations and handmade merchandise, such as fancy woodwork, suitable for gifts.

``Everything is so creative. It's hard to pick just a few things,'' Lauren Temple said. ``I wish I could buy more, but my husband told me to take it easy.''

She wound up buying an autumn wreath and a wooden sign for her garden that says, ``Grow, damn it.''

Although strong gusts toppled a few display tables, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District supervisor Diana Riley said the festival, a tradition for more than 20 years, was a success in a new site at Los Angeles Avenue and Stearns Street.

``It turned out real well,'' Riley said. ``We had a couple of good gusts that came in, but we still had a steady stream of buyers all day long.''

Parking lots were full most of the day as families shopped, listened to music and devoured Cajun sausage sandwiches.

Maria Vasquez and her husband, Joseph, said the annual event ushers in the fall weather and holidays for their family.

``This is our little tradition. We bring the kids, buy some Christmas decorations and get ready for fall,'' said Joseph, 28, pulling his 5-year-old son Justin and daughter Breann, 2, in a wagon. ``Sundays are made for this kind of stuff.''

Local woodcarver John Virgil brought out his tools and his collection of carvings, and he set up shop at the festival but wasn't willing to sell anything.

Carvings of sea mammals and owls were some of pieces showcased by Virgil.

``This is show and tell and drool,'' said the retired firefighter, crafting a chain of wooden links out of some old wood. ``I'm just trying to get people interested in woodcarving.''

It was Jenny Dragoo's lucky day as she eyed a tiny wooden owl that Virgil had made while sitting at his table. The woodworker gave it to her free after she asked how much it cost.

``Wow, I love it. This is cool,'' said the 11-year-old as she walked away.

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Photo: (color) Custom-crafted lawn decorations for the holi days were among the wares Sunday at the annual Harvest Festival in Simi Valley.

Gene Blevins/Special to the Daily News