STREET FAIR DISPLAYS BIG VARIETY OF VENDORS.

Byline: Amy Raisin Staff Writer

SIMI VALLEY - Displaying the diversity of businesses operating in the city, a medical clinic and an indoor skateboard park company operated booths side by side Saturday at the Simi Valley Street Fair, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

The Sierra Vista Family Care medical group offered free blood pressure and blood sugar tests to fair visitors, while Skatelab passed out skate stickers to a largely different clientele.

``We send a lot of people over there for stitches,'' joked Skatelab co- owner Todd Huber, who runs the skate park and museum. ``We're here to either let people know or remind them that we're here.''

More than 140 vendors representing business such as Gold's Gym, Papa John's Pizza and Boeing lined Tapo Street between Cochran and Eileen streets from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

``We do this to promote the businesses in the city and expose the viability of the businesses to members of the community,'' said Michael Carney, chair elect for the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce.

``Our goal is to enhance the economy, expansion and profitability of our members.''

While children got their faces painted and jumped in the inflated moonbounces, parents were able to learn about business options for everything from cellular service to car dealerships.

``We're new to the community,'' said Lisa Fernandez, a mother of two young children. ``We thought we'd check out what the community has to offer.''

Her husband, Lester, found a pool supplies booth and said he be sure to check out the store later on.

``We're in the market for a pool sweeper, one of those creepy-crawly things. I got their card and I'll have to check it out.''