Dust off those boots and kick up your heels for a series of western themed events leading up to the 2012 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22 at Melody Ranch Motion Pictures Studios.

On Thursday, April 19, from 7-11 p.m., the Cowboy Festival weekend will kick off with the Wild Wild West SENSES event in Old Town Newhall. Main Street will be set as the backdrop for the wildest hoedown in town, featuring: mechanical bull rides, trick roping, line-dancing, gourmet food trucks, and country music favorites.

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At 7:30 p.m., mosey on down to the west side of Main Street for the unveiling of Joel Cox and Glenn Ford’s new Walk of Western Stars plaques to commemorate their contributions to western film history.

Shop for exclusive western wear and dine under the stars at Melody Ranch Movie Night on Friday, April 20, at 6:30 p.m.  Guests will enjoy a western style dinner and viewing of 3:10 to Yuma, starring legendary actor Glenn Ford. Tickets are still available for $60 per person and include dinner, movie and a commemorative gift.

The Cowboy Festival wraps up at Melody Ranch ™ Motion Picture Studio on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22, with world-class performers and events on a live working movie set that is rarely open to the public.

Visit one of four stages at the Cowboy Festival to experience live performances from some of the world’s best cowboy poets and musicians. This year’s event features a number of returning favorites, including: Don Edwards, Dave Stamey, Cow Bop, The Quebe Sisters Band, Brenn Hill, Jon Chandler, R.W. Hampton, and The Band of the California Battalion. The Festival also welcomes to the stage two new headliners including songsmith Adrian – Buckaroogirl and Carin Mari & the Pony Express.

Guests can also enjoy western stories shared by some of the most recognized cowboy poets in the country including master cowboy poet Waddie Mitchell, acclaimed cowgirl poet Doris Daley, and professional storyteller Gary Robertson.

Free activities for kids are also on the bill for the Cowboy Festival. Visit the Pioneer Living exhibit, or pan for gold, spin wool, and create western art with the Autry National Center. Stop by Biskit Saddle Arts station and learn about leatherworking or let your children hear authors as they read from their award-winning children’s books during Buckaroo Story Time. Step into the Buckaroo Book Shop and browse book titles and toys for the whole family.

On Saturday, April 21, guests can visit nearby Heritage Junction to enjoy a dinner show and Patsy Cline tribute with Marie Wise Hawkins and the Bodacious Bobcats; or venture back to Old Town Newhall for a western style street dance featuring Cody Bryant of The Riders of the Purple Sage at the Old Town Hoedown.

With admission prices starting at $10 for kids ages 12 and under and $20 for adults, the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is a local and affordable way to spend a sunny, wildly entertaining spring weekend celebrating Santa Clarita’s authentic western culture and heritage with family, friends and neighbors.

Tickets for the 2012 Cowboy Festival and related events can be ordered by phone at (661) 250-3735, for pick-up at Will Call.  Children under the age of three receive a free one-day admission to Melody Ranch ™ Motion Pictures Studios.

For more information about the 2012 Cowboy Festival, sponsored by Lockheed Federal Credit Union, including additional attractions, parking details, maps and tickets, call (661) 250-3735 or visit CowboyFestival.org.