West Valley's 1982 Independence Day Celebration
Looking Back: West Valley's 1982 Independence Day Celebration
As America celebrates 250 years of freedom, it's fun to look back at how our own community celebrated Independence Day over four decades ago.
July 3–5, 1982 marked one of the earliest West Valley Fair & Arts Festivals, held at Granger Park, only two years after West Valley City became an official city.
The three-day celebration was packed with hometown fun and brought together thousands of residents for music, art, food, games, and patriotic festivities.
A Festival for Everyone
Visitors enjoyed:
A giant carnival with rides and games
Visual arts exhibits and live demonstrations
A Children's Art Yard
Army displays with military equipment and movies
Food booths, treats, and refreshments
The Granger Lions Club Breakfast each morning
Daily entertainment from local musicians, dancers, singers, magicians, and performing groups
Some of the special attractions included:
Helium balloon rides that lifted visitors high above the fairgrounds.
Helicopter rides for those wanting an unforgettable view of West Valley.
A FREE community swim at the Granger High Pool.
A classic car show featuring hot rods, customs, antiques, dragsters, and proudly restored family vehicles.
The always-popular Man & Dog Team competitions at Granger High's football stadium.
And on the evening of July 5, everyone gathered with lawn chairs and blankets for a gigantic fireworks display that capped off the holiday weekend.
🎵 Local Talent Took Center Stage
Throughout the weekend, dozens of local performers entertained the crowds, including dance companies, drill teams, singers, pianists, choirs, magicians, country bands, barbershop quartets, senior performers, and the West Valley City Royalty.
The festival showcased the incredible talent that already existed throughout our young city.
A True Community Celebration
The festival was organized by an outstanding committee that included:
David Harvey, Virginia Wasescha, Ron Day, Brent Fredrickson, Kevin Conde, Jack Rhoads, Jeff Paoletti, Jay Geisler, Commissioner Renee Mackay, Bonnie Packard, Bill Cannon, and Dorwain Wahlquist.
It was also made possible by dozens of local businesses that generously sponsored the celebration. Companies such as Vern Breeze Realty, Granger Builders Supply, Hutchinson Foodtown, Harvey Jenkins Construction, Holiday Oil, Bruschke's Greenhouse, McDonald's Floral, Dr. R. G. Montgomery, Granger Veterinary Clinic, Antonio's, Francesco's Restaurant, Crown Burger, Deseret Book, Valley Fair Mall, Country Joe's Records & Tapes, Community TV of West Valley, Big O Tires, Barton Builders Mart, Henry S. Day Ford, Bobo's Food, Valley Bank & Trust, Walgreen Drug, Decker's Pizza, the Redwood Drive-In Theatre, Harwood Roofing, Camp Shoe Repair, Zions First National Bank, Hyland Floral, and many others.
Remember When?
Only two years after becoming a city, West Valley was already building traditions that brought neighbors together. Families spread out their blankets in Granger Park, children enjoyed carnival rides and balloon rides, local performers took the stage, and everyone looked forward to the fireworks lighting up the July sky.
As we celebrate America's 250th birthday, it's wonderful to remember the community celebrations that helped shape West Valley City's own history.
Do you remember attending the 1982 West Valley Fair & Arts Festival? We'd love to hear your memories—or better yet, share your photos below!
