Cowboy entertainer Smokey Ritter. Prairie Lullaby, copyright 1999, Kathryn Rayl.

Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival

This celebration of the bygone era of cowboys, campfires, and country music is held at historic Melody Ranch, once owned by Gene Autry. Cowboy poets read from their work, and classic western films are screened at the Autry Museum of Western Heritage. The four-day festival attracts local residents, people from across California and the U.S., and visitors from foreign countries. Project documentation includes photographs, color slides, audio cassettes, videotapes, a poster, and several reports. Venues for the event include the Santa Clarita Valley Heritage Tour, Placerita Canyon Nature Center and Trail Ride, Hart Park and Museum, Mentryville Trail Ride, and the city of Santa Clarita.

Originally submitted by: Howard P. "Buck" McKeon, Representative (25th District).

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The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.

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