This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
West-side cities are offering plenty of free activities this Saturday for people and pets: West Valley City is holding PetFest, while Taylorsville is hosting Open Streets.
PetFest, an animal health and wellness fair, will take place 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Valley City-Taylorsville Animal Shelter, 4522 W. 3500 South.
Celebrity guest Gunny Monster, an Olde English Bulldogge that stands 25 inches at the shoulder and weighs 85 pounds, will make an appearance in the morning. The dog is a big supporter of the U.S. Marines and will be dressed in uniform.
Visitors also can take shelter tours and check out the pets available for adoption. Activities will include a best dressed pet contest, police K-9 demonstration, pet agility demonstrations and kids' activities. There will be food for sale, live music, free pet tags for the first 100 guests and adoption discount vouchers at PetFest.
In Taylorsville, they'll be takin' it to the streets from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along 2700 West from City Hall at 5400 South to the library at 4900 South.
The street will be closed to cars so people can walk, bike, skate, dance, slackline, play soccer and create chalk art, among other activities. Booths, vendors and food trucks will be there.
The event — which is sponsored by the city and Bike Utah — is part of an international initiative designed to reconnect residents to their communities. The first Open Streets in Utah was held in May in Salt Lake City and drew more than 25,000 people.
"By opening the streets in Taylorsville to bikes and pedestrians we will be promoting a physically active lifestyle that encourages friends and families to get out and re-think what their city means to them," said Scott Lyttle, Bike Utah executive director.