The 2015 Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival opened Saturday at William S. Hart Park  with thousands of guests from throughout Southern California enjoying four stages of music and entertainment.

“My friend recommended that I should come to the Cowboy Festival this year and it was definitely worth it,” said Tyler Hanning, of Granada Hills. “If they decide to do it again next year I’ll be here in a heartbeat.”

Performances are scheduled at the Repertory East Playhouse, Canyon Theatre Guild and The Vu Bar and Lounge.

Festival visitors were able to test their rodeo skills on the mechanical bull, or unleash their inner cowboy as they tried to rope an almost-real calf from a life-size horse.

Adventurous attendees were able to test themselves at hatchet throwing, take aim at the archery range or practice their “slick-shootin” with laser tag quick-draw.
At the 22nd annual Cowboy Festival, Heritage Junction was transformed into a battleground for Civil War reenactments.

Visitors were able to see history come to life as soldiers from both sides of the Civil War reenacted life on a campaign.

“There is a wider variety of music and entertainment — alternative country, bluegrass, americana,” said Mike Fleming, festival director and an arts and events supervisor for the city of Santa Clarita. “There are some really interesting younger bands coming in. It’s really exciting.”

Tickets to get into Hart Park are ten dollars for adults and seven dollars for children. Prices vary for performances at other venues.

The Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival is usually held at Melody Ranch, just a few miles from where the event is at this year.

The festival continues tomorrow April 19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information visit www.cowboyfestival.org.