TAYLORSVILLE, Utah — Less than two weeks removed from a mass shooting at the annual WestFest in West Valley City that left three people dead, the 29th installation of Taylorsville Dayzz looks a bit different this year.
That includes a much larger police presence, bringing in officers from surrounding communities. They patrolled the grounds on foot, by bicycle, on ATVs with riot shields equipped on the back - some were even posted atop buildings to see the crowds from above. There is also added lighting throughout Valley Regional Park and changes to hours for adult rides.
It's all part of an effort by city and festival leaders to control crowds and ensure these days—and nights—are ones to remember for all the right reasons.
“Just pop a ballon, let’s see what you got - that’s it!” said Angel Torres, who was overseeing the ‘Balloon Store’ game at the festival.
Torres manages the games for Morales Entertainment. He insists there’s no tricks to his trade. Their goal is to help make lasting memories through these events like Taylorsville Dayzz. “I remember having little kids [at the game booths] and they come up when they’re grown now,” said Torres. “They’re like ‘Hey, you remember me?’“
Jim Dunnigan is heading up the event for his 26th year running. “It’s a three-day event. I’m sure we’ll have 25,000 people here,” said Dunnigan, who chairs the festival’s committee. “When I started, there were a few inflatable rides - and that was it.”
He says those sights and sounds have evolved to include so much more, from petting zoos to musical performances to what he claims are the best fireworks in the Salt Lake Valley. “We basically build a little city for three days, with all the public safety and sanitation and food and fun,” Dunnigan said.
There’s emphasis on safety in this city right now, with increased police patrols in the wake of the tragedy at the neighboring West Fest. “Police are gonna be very proactive in just making sure people behave themselves, I’ll just put it that way,” said Dunnigan.
Festival vendors and attendees alike say security shouldn’t be the focus. “You go out here to have fun,” Torres said. “You know, you bring your kids and you just have to always worry about if something like that’s gonna happen.”
But at the same time, Torres hopes it helps them send people of all ages home with a smile. “We don't want to see anybody go through any kind of traumatic event,” said Torres. “We’re out here to give them a great time. Make sure everybody’s happy, make sure everybody’s smiling.”
Still to come this weekend are musical tributes to Queen, Elvis Presley, and Tina Turner, along with those fireworks shows. But if you’re wanting to get on all the festival’s best rides, know that this year’s changes include shutting down the adult rides by 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday to help with crowd control.
