Tonight, the wait is almost over as Santa Clarita prepares to kick off one of our community’s most cherished traditions — the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival weekend. The festivities begin this evening in Old Town Newhall with two amazing events that celebrate the spirit and history of the American West: The Walk of Western Stars ceremony and the Senses Block Party.
Before the excitement of Senses begins, I invite you to take part in the longstanding tradition of the Walk of Western Stars. Since 1981, this program has honored legends of Western film, television and radio who helped shape America’s enduring Western heritage. Much like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, inductees are recognized with bronze stars and terrazzo tiles embedded into Main Street in Old Town Newhall — a lasting tribute to their contributions to the genre.
This year, two new honorees will be added to the Walk of Western Stars in front of Society Pizza Lounge on Main Street (24450 Main St., No. 150, 91321). The ceremony will celebrate the Happy Family and Gary Combs, recognizing their remarkable contributions to Western film and television.
The Happy Family — Don, Edith, Clifford, Marguerite, Bonnie, Sean, Ryan Happy and Jimmy Hock — are widely known throughout the film industry as accomplished actors, stuntmen and stuntwomen. Their work spans generations of Western storytelling, from classic productions such as “Rawhide” and “Gunsmoke” to modern films and television series, including “Django Unchained” and “1923.”
Gary Combs has also left his mark on the Western genre as a stuntman and stunt actor, with notable roles in productions such as “Gunsmoke,” “Planet of the Apes” and “Star Trek,” which filmed scenes at the iconic Vasquez Rocks. Santa Clarita continues to serve as one of the most filmed regions in Los Angeles County, thanks to its versatility and authentic Western heritage.
Immediately following the Walk of Western Stars ceremony, the celebration continues just steps away as the Senses Block Party returns to Main Street. Held every third Thursday of the month from 7 to 10 p.m., Senses transforms Old Town Newhall into a lively themed street festival filled with music, activities and community fun. Tonight’s theme, “On the Ranch,” is the perfect way to embrace our Western roots as we head into Cowboy Festival weekend.
Then, on Saturday, the 30th Anniversary Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival officially begins at William S. Hart Park (24151 Newhall Ave., 91321). Gates open at 10 a.m., with free parking and shuttle service available from the dirt lot at 13th Street and Railroad Avenue beginning at 9:30 a.m. Shuttle service will run until 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and until 7:30 p.m. on Sunday. Additional free parking is available at the Old Town Newhall Parking Structure and the Newhall Community Center.
For the ultimate ease of access, I encourage you to take advantage of free transportation provided by Santa Clarita Transit. You can plan your route at SantaClaritaTransit.com. Please also note that road closures will be in effect from Friday, April 17, through Sunday, April 19. Newhall Avenue will be closed between Market Street and 4th Street, and Main Street will be closed from 6th Street to the Roundabout. Be sure to allow extra travel time and use alternate routes whenever possible. Have fun dressing in Western gear.
This year’s milestone celebration promises something for everybody. Guests can explore Western vendors, enjoy live music across three stages, including The Mane Stage, the Whistle Stop Stage and Hart Hall. You will be able to enjoy living history demonstrations and participate in hands-on activities and arts and crafts.
A favorite food tradition for many returning guests is the Rotary Club of Santa Clarita Valley’s famous peach cobbler, which always draws a crowd. The peach cobbler is a must, and I never miss it. I am also looking forward to the new Line Dance Competition taking place Friday evening at William S. Hart Park. Another addition this year is the Wildwood Outpost, a Western streetscape constructed entirely of classic false-front buildings that adds even more charm and authenticity to the festival grounds.
Longstanding traditions like the Cowboy Festival are part of what makes Santa Clarita such a special place. Events like this bring families together, celebrate our Western heritage and welcome visitors to experience the unique character of our community.
For more information and to plan your festival weekend, please visit CowboyFestival.org. I look forward to seeing you there.
Councilwoman Marsha McLean is a member of the Santa Clarita City Council and can be reached at [email protected].
