SCV readies to saddle up
City officials announce 2018 Cowboy Festival activities, performances
Five concert stages, activities and living history exhibits are all part of the city of Santa Clarita’s 2018 Cowboy Festival, officials said Thursday.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, which draws thousands of visitors from across the country to Newhall for a weekend of food, entertainment and wholesome family fun.
To celebrate the silver anniversary, general admission to the Cowboy Festival is free for all attendees on April 21-22.
Upon entering historic William S. Hart Park, guests have access to 40 unique western gear vendors, where you can purchase handmade crafts, cowboy hats, boots and more, organizers said.
Cowboy Festival activities such as archery, hatchet throwing and mechanical bull riding all make a return this year, with a food break available from a choice of different “cowboy cuisine vendors and libations” from one of the Wolf Creek beer gardens stationed around the park.
Living history exhibits and displays offer attendees a trip back to the Wild West days, according to the city. Guests can experience the Western way of life at the Cowboy Cattle Camp, learn about Native American culture at the Native American settlement or learn about traveling in the old west from Buffalo Soldiers.
There will also be an annual Civil War reenactment.
In addition, a full lineup of entertaining performances will take place across five stages.The festival is being presented by Heritage Sierra Medical Group.
Mane Stage, presented by Heritage Sierra Medical Group
Featured Western and Americana bands playing on the Mane Stage include award-winning Jon Chandler and Ernie Martinez, Lon Hannah and the San Joaquin Junction and New West.
The Ranch House Stage
Festival-goers will get into the Wild West mood with performances by Wild Horse Singers and Dancers, award-winning yodeler and 2018 American Idol contestant Kristyn Harris, the gun spinning of Joey Dillon and the comedy sketches and music of Sourdough Slim.
In addition, folks will not want to miss the transporting tales of Joe Herrington.
Hart Hall Stage
Residents are invited to check out the classic Cowboy sounds of Dave Stamey, Gary Robertson, Mikki Daniel and R.W. Hampton, and Sunday afternoon will also feature the annual Youth Poetry Presentation.
Heritage Junction Stage, presented by Wells Fargo
Boots will be tapping with the heady sounds of Western bands, including the Messick Family, Dust in My Coffee and The Cowboy Way.
Outwest Stage
Returning to the Cowboy Festival, this stage will feature musicians and authors. These rough and ready performers will be John Bergstrom, Jerry Hall and Trick Shot, Nancy Lee, Almeda Bradshaw, Ron Christopher and Joyce Woodson. Western tales will also be shared by authors JR Sanders and Chuck Learn. Also at the OutWest Stage area, the Buckaroo Book Shop will offer a common meeting place for readers and writers.
For more details about the 25th Annual Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, including information on performers and tickets to additional special concerts in Old Town Newhall, please visit CowboyFestival.org.