Special guest characters include Orrin Porter Rockwell, played by Brad Jones; members of the Mormon Battalion; and Dr. Quaquenbusch. The festival begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. Activities include a pioneer spa, a children's parade, Wild West marbles tournament, panning for gold, pioneer photos, horse team-driving competitions, pioneer sports and gunfighter events.

A handcart progressive dinner is being held in the evening with a cost of $6 per person or $20 per family; reservations are required. For more information, call 435-245-6050 or visit www.awhc.org.

Rivers Council series

The Utah Rivers Council is holding an evening hike in conjunction with Save Our Canyons on Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Space is limited, and the hike is fairly easy. R.S.V.P. to Sarah at 801-486-4776 or sarah@ utahrivers.org.

West Rim Trail work

National Park Service employees are working on the West Rim Trail in Zion National Park to remove broken concrete from the trail north of Scout Lookout. The work is expected to continue through the weekend, and hikers can anticipate 15- to 20-minute delays.

Nature walks

The Wild Bird Center in Layton is holding the following free nature/bird walks. Meet at the store, 1860 N. 1000 West, Layton, for an 8 a.m. departure on all the trips. Call 801-525-8415 for more information:

Saturday, east Kaysville foothills; Aug. 4, Ogden Nature Center; Aug. 25, the Nature Conservancy's West Layton Great Salt Lake Shoreline Preserve; Sept. 1, Kays Creek; Sept. 15, Francis Peak for raptor migration; Sept. 22, Antelope Island; Sept. 29, Weber River, Riverdale Parkway.

Cedar Breaks' starry skies

Cedar Breaks National Monument staff and astronomy volunteers will host star parties on July 28, Aug. 11 and Sept. 8. The star-viewing programs start at 8:30 p.m. with a presentation at the campground amphitheater and then move to the Point Supreme overlook, where large telescopes will be available for participants. Visit www.nps.gov/cebr/.

Bear River float

Learn the basics of paddling a canoe or kayak, then join the Utah Rivers Council on a three-hour trip on the Bear River on Saturday, starting at 9:30 a.m. near Tremonton. Utah Rivers Council staff will discuss the Bear River and dam proposals that could affect it. Space is limited; R.S.V.P. to sarah@ utahrivers.org or call 801-486-4776. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information on river outings, visit www.utahrivers.org.

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* To have your event listed, e-mail the information to brettp@ sltrib.com or by mail to Brett Prettyman, The Salt Lake Tribune, 90 S. 400 West, Suite 700, Salt Lake City, UT 84101.