Children collecting candy and musicians playing bagpipes filled the streets of West Valley City during the 9th annual WestFest Parade.
People lined 3500 South Saturday morning to watch beauty queens, crazy clowns and many other participants in what spectators called the biggest and best parade ever.The parade is one part of the three-day "WestFest International Festival" which began Thursday.
Kerry and Teresa Turner of West Valley have attended the parade every year and were excited to bring their two daughters along. "It's gotten a lot bigger. Every year it draws more people," Teresa said.
With a little coaching from her dad, Crystal Turner, 3, said she came to see the princess and to get lots of candy.
The 11/2-hour parade attracted 95 entries including six bands, 15 floats, many dignitaries, antique cars, dance and drill groups and other community organizations.
The city wanted to involve everyone in the festival to promote the community and to encourage unity among its citizens, said Jill Elliss, director of publicity and executive director of the Valley West Chamber of Commerce.
"This year is fabulous. The weather has been so pristine and people have been locked up in their houses," Elliss said. "The festival gets everyone out and creates a hometown celebration with an international flare."
The fun and games began Thursday at Granger Park, 3500 S. 3600 West, where carnival rides, food, booths and free entertainment lasted until 10:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday night included a talent show with finalists competing Saturday for $1,000 in cash and merchandise.
The international theme was carried out at the park as children launched water balloons at painted wooden African animals and entertainers from South America, the Philippines and Polynesia sang and danced on stage.
"I like the water balloon game best because it's hard to hit the animals," Kristine Fenn, 9, said. "This year is way better than last year."
Festivalgoers could purchase a variety of items at the celebration. Booths included woodcarvings, goldfish, toys, jewelry and other crafts. The food also attracted a crowd with the tastes of Arkansas' Finest Barbecue and Chocolate Belgian Waffles.
Beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday morning, citizens gathered in Harmons parking lot, 3955 W. 3500 South, for an all-you-can-eat breakfast of ham, hash browns and eggs. A fireworks show capped the day's activities.