Few things captivate audiences young and old like a striking cowboy beneath a golden sunset or the simple beauty of the untouched American landscape. Since the debut of the Western genre in the early 20th century, audiences worldwide have tuned in to the classic American tale of good overcoming evil.
The film industry has called Santa Clarita home for nearly a century as legends like John Ford, William S. Hart and Gene Autry fell in love with the area’s versatility and authentic Western heritage, characteristics that continue to make Santa Clarita one of the most filmed areas in greater Los Angeles.
Today, the mystique of the Old West lives on in Santa Clarita. Santa Clarita pays homage to its Western roots and rich film culture via the Walk of Western Stars. Similar in style to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Walk of Western Stars honors actors, directors and film professionals for their contributions to the Western heritage of America. Previous honorees have included Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, John Wayne, Sam Elliott, Richard Farnsworth and Bruce Dern, among others. At the time of publication the three inductees had not been announced, but, a special tribute to Jack Palance, a past inductee who passed away this year, will be made.
Famous Cowgirl singer Denise Whitnell will be singing a song commissioned by the City based on the Walk of Western Stars. It was written by local Cowgirl Singer, Katy Moffatt and David Wilkie, from Canada. The main music group for the night will be David Wilkie and Cowboy Celtic, also from Canada.
The City of Santa Clarita produces the Walk of Western Stars event in coordination with Carousel Ranch, a Santa-Clarita based non-profit organization that provides developmental therapeutic and recreational programs for disabled and disadvantaged children through horses. All proceeds raised and donations received through the Walk of Western Stars will benefit Carousel Ranch, allowing them to reach an even greater number of children and expand their programming.
This year’s Walk of Western Stars event will be held on Friday, April 27, 2007 at the Hyatt Valencia Grand Ballroom, 24500 Town Center Drive, Santa Clarita, CA, 91355, 661-286-4021. Tickets are $100 each, including dinner.
For further information, visit www.cowboyfestival.org.
