Annual celebration of Western heritage offers something for everybody.

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The City of Santa Clarita
is proud to announce the dates of the major performances, lineups and
attractions for the 2009 Cowboy Festival, taking place April 22-26 at Melody
Ranch Motion Picture Studio and other venues around the scenic Santa Clarita
Valley.

Beginning Wednesday, April 22, Grammy Award winning Riders
in the Sky, whose music is featured in the Disney movie “Toy Story,” will
perform at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at the College of the
Canyons.

A variety of attractions are scheduled for April 23 and 24,
including an evening of music by Don Edwards at the William S. Hart mansion, lunch
served at the Rancho Camulos Museum and a Chuckwagon Dinner Show at Heritage
Junction featuring performances by Sourdough Slim and local cowboy poet Joe
Herrington.

On Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, the Cowboy
Festival settles into the Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio where a number of
performances and hands-on attractions will be available for guests to enjoy. A
great line-up of Western stars is slated for the Melody Ranch Stage, including the
hilarious cowboy poet, Baxter Black.

Festival favorites Don Edwards and the Sons of the San
Joaquin will perform both days and the swing band, Hot Club of Cowtown, will
showcase its swinging sound on Sunday, April 26. The Festival will also feature
artist Morgan Weistling and his award-winning masterpiece, “The Dance,” which
serves as the 2009 Festival’s poster and icon.

Award-winning crooner R. W. Hampton returns to Melody Ranch,
as well as singing cowgirl Joni Harms, Dave Stamey, the Booher Brothers, Sourdough
Slim and Syd Masters and the Swing Riders. Cowboy poets Randy Rieman, Gary
Robertson, Joe Herrington and cowgirl Diane Tribbitt will spin tales of the old
and new West throughout the weekend at the Ranch.

Main Street
shows slated for April 25 and 26 include saloon pianist Dave Bourne, banjoist Gordy
Oligher, magician Whit Haydn and more. The California Cowboys, Messick Family, Horse
Crazy, and Adrian Brannon will perform and master horseman Benny Martinez will
showcase his cowboy skills.

Tickets for the 2009 Cowboy Festival are currently on sale
at cowboyfestival.org or by phone at (661) 284- 1410, where patrons can
purchase admission suited to their Festival needs.

The current packages include a Daily Admission Ticket to
Melody Ranch, costing $20 for adults and $10 for kids age 3-11. Little cowpokes
under 3 can visit the festival for a day free of charge. The Two-Day Weekend
Pass is available at $30 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under and the Friends
of the Festival Package is available for $150 to a limited number of guests who
would like to be more closely involved in the Festival this year.

Festival patrons are not permitted to park their horses,
coaches or shiny caravans at Melody Ranch, but a shuttle is provided at 13th
Street and Arch Street
in Newhall for a relaxing ride to the Ranch.

For more information on the 16th Annual Cowboy Festival attractions,
parking, maps and tickets, call (661) 286-4021 or visit www.cowboyfestival.org.