A new tradition in West Valley City began on Oct. 14, when Healthy West Valley and the Clean and Beautiful Committee sponsored its first Fall Fest. It was hosted at the Roots Charter High School Farm off of Cesar Chavez Drive and gave families a chance to see farm animals, enjoy a fall treat, see guest performers, play a game of Cornhole and learn about some city services.

“This is a great chance to share information from our city departments with residents, and also showcase this beautiful farm and all the students are learning,” said Alex Kidd, community engagement specialist for the Healthy West Valley Committee. 

Larissa Little, program director at Roots Charter High School, said students use the location to incorporate farm skills into their regular curriculum.

“We grow flowers and vegetables here; we raise goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, and we have alpaca,” she said. “We give our students a real-life education that farming shows that you reap what you sow. This is a chance to show others in the community what our farm is all about.”

There were information booths from additional sponsors, including the West Valley Police Department and Salt Lake County. Tiffine Dalton from the Clean and Beautiful Committee said their participation in the Fall Fest is an example of the many events they work with each year.

“We’re probably best known for our Summer Yard Awards, but we get involved in many different programs,” she said. “We help educate residents on water-wise methods for their yards and gardens, have a program aimed at keeping the city litter-free, and host our Spring Fest each year. We also get involved with a number of service projects around West Valley City.”

The Healthy West Valley Committee, which was officially formed last March, works with other organizations in the city along with government officials and departments on promoting healthy lifestyle issues, including food options, mental health seminars and even exercise programs. 

Officers from the city’s police department visited with residents about safety programs and general information on department services. They also handed out pencils, stickers and other fun items to children who came by their table.

The always popular popcorn food option was available, along with other food truck offerings. And children were able to sit on a tractor, get close to farm animals (who were safely penned), hear the greetings from a noisy rooster and watch as the animals received their midday meals. It also happened on the morning of the annular eclipse, and yes, there were protective glasses available so people attending could see it safely.

This was the first year of the event, but not the last. City events can be found on the website at www.wvc-ut.gov/.

“Community celebrations like this bond us as residents, and it gives us a chance to have one-on-one conversations between the city and those who live here,” Kidd said. “Plus the farm atmosphere and environment really embellishes a hometown feel to the fest.” λ