LAYTON -- The first Layton Community Street Festival got off to a busy start Friday morning.
The event, sponsored by local businesses and nonprofit organizations, was held to raise money for Primary Children's Medical Center.
Dozens of volunteers gathered at Broadview University to give massages, style hair, provide face painting and crafts and even take people on a helicopter ride.
Admission was free, but fees were charged for the various activities.
"It helps a lot having great community partners on board to help promote this event," said event coordinator, Peter Tomala. "We hope it's a hit, and we can continue to do this every year."
Tomala said the goal was to raise as much money as possible for charity.
"It was hard to pick an organization out of the many charities and nonprofits out there. But the hospital's message really hit home for a couple of our partners, so we decided to go that route," he said.
Several dance and performing groups entertained participants throughout the day. Games, drawings and food were also provided.
"We're giving out free clam chowder," said Shawna Burgon, local store marketer and associate manager of McGrath's Fish House. "Because we're a local business, we want to help out in the community any way we can and we really want to help Primary Children's."
Avalon School of Cosmetology also wanted to get its students involved in the event.
"Avalon is involved in the community in many ways. It helps our students," said Jodi Carnahan, community outreach director. "They are going to be going out in the community for business and things like this teach them to serve and communicate with the public."
Students and other volunteers from the school provided discounted manicures, makeup and hair styling.
Tomala said the idea for the event started with an initial meeting between Broadview University and Sam's Club. He and Amanda Anderson of Sam's Club began brainstorming about events local businesses could be involved in and they came up with the idea of a street festival for charity.
"The day worked out great because Broadview University has one day out of the year that our entire staff goes out and volunteers in the community," he said.
"That date just happens to be May 20. It all came together quite well and it has been amazing to see how businesses and organizations can work together to help a very worthy cause."
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