It’s been a tradition for 44 years, and the latest Westfest in West Valley June 13-16 kept the memories coming. As always, it was a combination of midway carnival rides and foods, vendor booths showcasing a variety of local businesses and artisans, the annual parade and fun run, free bands and entertainment, and displays by local police and fire department personnel.

And did I mention the pie eating contest? The food and fun were plentiful indeed.

It began on June 13 with a Cultural Dance competition, followed by a Movie in the Park that night. Entertainment was staged both Friday and Saturday as well, featuring local bands and various acts. On Saturday morning, a parade rolled through the city to Centennial Park, where more than 90 vendor booths featured local businesses. The parade was preceded by a family fun run at 9 a.m. 

In the park, there were 18 food trucks and vendors, and a walk-through butterfly tent. There was a butterfly release Friday night and twice on Saturday. The city’s police K9 team and fire department teams offered demos on Saturday, and Scales and Tails reptile handling shows were offered. Westside Skates had a throwdown competition at the adjacent skate park. And during the event, there were pickleball, cornhole and spikeball tournaments.

As always both Friday and Saturday nights concluded with 20-minute fireworks shows. Attendance was high and the carnival drew the largest crowds on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

The only reported police-related incident was on Wednesday about 11 p.m., when two people were allegedly hit by a vehicle while walking in the parking lot, a car which allegedly later caused a three-car crash away from the festival. One 18-year-old woman was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail for investigation of the incident. Police said neither victim suffered serious injury. λ