STEPPING OUT IN SIMI CAJUN CREOLE MUSIC FESTIVAL ATTRACTS CROWD FOR FOOD, FUN.

Byline: Grace Lee Staff Writer

SIMI VALLEY - Thousands turned out Saturday for the start of the 14th annual Cajun Creole Music Festival offering live music, along with deep- fried alligator tails and more conventional favorites such as jambalaya and catfish.

The event, sponsored by the Simi Sunrise Rotary, has raised about $1 million over the years for some 50 charities, including the Boys & Girls Club and the YMCA.

``We're trying to bring something special to the community that they can enjoy,'' festival chairman Gary Stewart said. ``It is the largest fund- raiser put on by a charity group in the county.''

For many, the festival at Rancho Santa Susana Park has become an annual tradition.

``We've been coming here for 10 years,'' said Wanda Stroud of Oxnard, as she lounged in a beach chair, listening to the music. ``We come out with friends and we hang out. The music's awesome and it's a nice reunion with friends in Simi.''

For Barry Adam of Simi, the biggest draw is the jambalaya. ``You just can't get it like this anywhere else.''

Joe Davis, who traveled from Louisiana to offer her recipes, also sold lobster puffs and alligator tails on a stick.

Compared to home, she said, the festival here ``measures up, absolutely.''

Mary Muzac, originally from Haiti, said the festival gave her a small taste of home, where Mardi Gras preparations span three months. And the music Saturday was as good as her favorite tunes from home, she said.

On the dance floor, partygoers of all ages twirled to live fiddle music.

Laura Reel, who drove from Victorville with her family, said the bands were worth the trek.

``You just can't sit still with it,'' she said. ``When (the music) starts, you just have to move.''

The festival will continue through today, opening at 11 a.m. at Stearn and Los Angeles Avenue.

Stewart said the idea for the original Cajun Festival was something of a fluke.

``Fourteen years ago, one of the Rotary Club members had a Cajun band,'' which he said was reason enough to build the event around the music.

``Now top Cajun bands from all over show up,'' Stewart said, ``from all over the United States.''

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4 photos

Photo:

(1) Gilbert Bonner shakes a maraca as he sells ethnic clothing to the Cajun music beat at Simi Valley's festival Saturday.

(2 -- 3) Above, Lee Schroder wears a leggy spider cap and strums his zydeco tie as he dances. At left, Lawrence ``Turbo Dawg'' Currier moves to the syncopated zydeco beat during the 14th annual Cajun Creole Music Festival held in Simi.

(4) Six-year-old Haley Silvers from Glendale tries on a Mardi Gras hat at Simi's Cajun festival, which continues today.

Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News