Where else can you see trick ropers, gunslingers, civil war soldiers firing cannons, cowboys ‘round the campfire, blacksmiths and listen to authentic cowboy country music…at the one and only annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival! For more than 20 years, this community event has rounded up visitors from across the United States and beyond to experience the best in cowboy music and attractions. The 2017 Cowboy Festival, April 19-23, will take you back in time to the roots of Santa Clarita’s own Wild West!

One of my favorite things about this event is it offers fun for the whole family, while sharing a unique glimpse into our valley’s past. History buffs can enjoy the rich heritage of our unique region by visiting Heritage Junction, made up of the original Saugus Train Station and six other historic buildings. The museum at Heritage Junction includes memorabilia from Old Town Newhall’s heyday, the pioneer and oil mining industries, the railroad and the discovery of gold in Placerita Canyon. The fledgling movie industry is also celebrated with items from early cowboy and silent movie stars.

There are several events leading up to the big Cowboy Festival weekend on April 22 and 23 at William S. Hart Park event area. This year’s show-stopping musical lineup will stretch the boundaries of the cowboy genre more than ever before, offering a little something for everyone.

To get you in the Western spirit, come to the SCVTV OutWest Concert Series at The MAIN on Wednesday, April 19. Performers will include The Queen of the West and The Sage of the Prairie, Mary Kaye and Joe Herrington.

Kicking off the fun on Thursday, April 20, Old Town Newhall’s Main Street will host a free “Best in the West” themed SENSES block party, presented by Galpin Subaru. From 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the rip-roarin’ event will transform Main Street, complete with live music, line dancing, gourmet food trucks, street performers and exciting themed activities.

Then, the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival kicks off on Saturday, April 22 and continues through Sunday, April 23 at William S. Hart Park event area in Old Town Newhall. Celebrating 24 years of Western fun, the festival will feature top-notch Western music, poetry, entertainment, shopping, games and more.

Of course, the Cowboy Festival would not be complete without delicious cowboy cuisine. The festival at William S. Hart Park event area will include mouthwatering BBQ and the infamously delicious, not-to-be-missed, Dutch oven peach cobbler – worth the price of admission alone!

Tickets are on sale now! Presale single day tickets will be available for $10 for adults and $7 for kids ages 3 to 12 (under age 3 are free). At the door, tickets will be $13 for adults and $9 for kids ages 3 to 12 (under age 3 are free). In addition to the festival, separately ticketed intimate performances at the Canyon Theatre Guild and The MAIN include nationally known Western musicians, as well as Rockabilly and Americana musical acts.

Admission to William S. Hart Park event area includes access to performances across the five festival stages, as well as living history entertainers, food vendors, Western gear shopping and activities for all ages. You can also try your hand at mechanical bull riding, laser tag quick draw, hatchet throwing, archery, Civil War skirmishes, a barnyard zoo, “Edutainment” for kids and more.

For more information on the 2017 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival including tickets, schedules and pricing for individual performances in Old Town Newhall, visit CowboyFestival.org.

To stay updated on the 2017 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, “like” the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival on Facebook or follow @CowboyFestSC on Twitter. I’ll see you at the Cowboy Festival!

Sincerely,

Cameron Smyth

Mayor Smyth is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at csmyth@santa-clarita.com.