By Travis Barton | [email protected] 

August signals not only a dreaded return to school for students, it also signals one of the biggest months of the year in West Valley City. Here is the lowdown of some events happening this month. 

“Neighborhood Nights” 

A proclamation in July by the West Valley City Council declared August as “Neighborhood Nights” and Aug. 7 as “National Night Out 2018” in West Valley City. 

The proclamation stated that the city “strives to reinforce the importance of crime prevention awareness in the city” and that elected officials deem it “essential” for all residents to be aware of crime prevention programs “and the impact their participation can have on reducing crime, drugs and violence in West Valley City.”

The 35th annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch with West Valley City being recognized for its “Outstanding Participation” every year since 2004. That’s because the month features over 50 events as part of the program. 

Wednesday Aug. 1 will see the Kick-off Party and Heroes Celebration at Fairbourne Station (2810 W. 3590 South). Running from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., the free event will feature activities, live entertainment, mascots, a West Valley City Police Department K9 demonstration, emergency vehicles and food trucks. 

Tuesday, Aug. 7 and Friday, Aug. 24 will have dozens of neighborhood block parties around the city, all organized by residents. Parties may have visits from police, fire, city council members or even McGruff the Crime Dog. Block parties can take place at city parks, a neighbor’s yard or an entire street. Information and registration materials are available at www.wvc-ut.gov/nno. 

Neighborhood Nights will also see community partners come together to share information at the Safety Fair at the Family Fitness Center (5413 W. 3100 South). The fair will focus on seniors from 9 to 11 a.m. and families from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Wasatch International Food Festival 

The third annual food event for foodies and hungry people alike returns to the Utah Cultural Celebration Center on Aug. 10 (5-10 p.m.) and 11 (noon to 8 p.m.) at 1355 W. 3100 South. 

A festival aimed at dishing up diverse menu options—from haute cuisine to street food—will also feature chef demonstrations and live music. This year’s musical lineup features the Soul Research Foundation, Steel Badger, Smiling Souls, Millennial Beat, Jukebox Antihero, Kingston Winter, Channel Z and New Soul Brigade. 

General admission is $5 and children under 12 enter for free. 

Movies in the park 

August will also see the final two movies in the park. Both will take place at Centennial Park (5415 W. 3100 South). 

Friday, Aug. 3 will see the young bull “Ferdinand” as he escapes from a training camp in rural Spain while Friday, Aug. 17 features “The Road to El Dorado” where two con men find the lost city of gold. 

Bring lawn chairs and blankets to the free event. Films start at dusk.