The City of Santa Clarita invites Western enthusiasts to join members of the Santa Clarita City Council and the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce for the induction of film legends Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson into the Walk of Western Stars as part of the 21st Annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival. The induction ceremony is open to the public and will take place on Thursday, April 17, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at 24322 Main Street in Old Town Newhall as part of the Thursdays @ Newhall SENSES series themed Rockin Rodeo.

Steve McQueen was the epitome of the American dream, rising from troubled circumstances throughout his youth to become one of the most famous movie stars in the world. Better known as the “King of Cool,” McQueen is remembered for his anti-hero persona in great cinematic features, including The Thomas Crown Affair, The Great Escape, and The Magnificent Seven where he shared the screen with Charles Bronson.

Charles Bronson was an American film and television actor who gained the reputation of a man with few words but much action. After nearly 25 years as a working actor for European audiences, Bronson became an overnight sensation on U.S. soil starring in several highly successful films, including The Dirty Dozen, Once Upon a Time in the West and Red Sun.

“The City of Santa Clarita takes great pride in its rich, Western culture,” commented Mayor Laurene Weste. “Our annual Cowboy Festival and famed Walk of Western Stars are just two ways we pay tribute to our Western roots, and we hope the community joins us in celebrating these two talented men with this year’s induction ceremony.”

Similar in style to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Walk of Western Stars honors actors, directors and film professionals for their contributions to the Western heritage of America. Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson will join notable Western legends, including Gene Autry, Lee Marvin, James Stewart, John Wayne, Roy Rogers, and William S. Hart, among others.

Sponsored by the City of Santa Clarita, the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce and Total Financial Solutions, Inc., the Walk of Western Stars was established in 1981 and continues today as stars are immortalized in bronze and terrazzo tile stamped into the streets of Old Town Newhall.

After the induction, make plans to stop by Santa Clarita’s favorite block party SENSES, presented by Galpin Subaru, as Main Street will be the backdrop for the wildest event in town with a Rockin’ Rodeo theme. Cowboys and cowgirls can rediscover the spirit of the Old West with live country music, mechanical bull rides, line dancing, trick roping, gourmet food trucks and street performers. For more information, visit ThursdaysAtNewhall.com/Rockin-Rodeo/

For more information on the Walk of Western Stars, please contact City of Santa Clarita Economic Development Associate Andree Walper at (661) 286-4166 or at awalper@santa-clarita.com.