25,000 attend popular West Valley Westfest

Shawna Kolek has fond memories of going to Westfest when she was a child. "Growing up we'd spend days and days there," she said. "We'd walk over from 4100 South and 4500 West to come and play."

As an adult, Kolek still enjoys Westfest so much that she drives to the celebration from her home in Holladay to take her children Hayden, 6, and Spencer, 3, to experience it for themselves.

"It's been great — there's always great vendors and great food," she said. "I probably enjoy seeing the different cultures and ethnicities here that you don't always see."

Kolek and her family were just a few of the estimated 25,000 people who attended Westfest 2007 June 21-24 in Centennial Park, 5415 W. 3100 South, West Valley City. In addition to food and craft vendors, the festival also boasted multicultural entertainment, a talent competition and carnival.

John Warnas, Westfest festival chair, said the celebration is designed as a way to celebrate West Valley City's birthday. It was incorporated 27 years ago.

The festival is an opportunity for residents to mix and mingle, Warnas said.

"We just feel (the festival) brings people together," he said. "A lot of families don't get the opportunity to go to Disneyland and this is a way they can spend time together as a family."

Warnas also likes the sense of pride the festival elicits in attendees and seeing people enjoy themselves. "I walk through and watch families with their kids, and they're having such a good time," he said. "It's a safe and very fun place."

Sunday and Thursday were Family Fun Days at the carnival where parents could ride free with their children. This year's featured entertainment included Jagertown, Abraxas: A Tribute to Carlos Santana and Peter Breinholt and Big Parade.

Will and Debbie Leonard said they go to the festival every year. This year their daughters Alyssa, 9, and Jocelyn, 7, were performing. Jocelyn was especially excited to get her face painted.

"(The festival) brings the community together and you can get to know other people and see friends," Will said.

Dawn Christensen saw an announcement for the festival in the West Valley Family Fitness Center and decided to take her family to it.

"We wanted to see what everybody had to sell," she said. "This is the first time we came, and we're excited to come back."

Christensen liked what the festival showed her about her city.

"It gives you the chance to find out about the community with its people and diversity," she said. "Some of these services are really cool."

Warnas said the Westfest committee is always in need of volunteers. Anyone interested in finding out more information about volunteering can call the Westfest Hotline at 363-2898 or visit www.westfestutah.com.