Q: The community-favorite Cowboy Festival is just around the corner! What kind of Wild West fun are you rustling up this year?
I know many of our residents look forward to April each year because it marks the return of the world-famous Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival, and of course, the Cowboy Peach Cobbler. The 29th Annual Cowboy Festival is returning to William S. Hart Park - located at 24151 Newhall Avenue - on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13. The event brings live music, line dancing, delicious food and themed activities. Try your hand at archery, hatchet throwing and mechanical bull riding, or for those who want a more laid-back experience, take a moment to explore Sutlers Row to find festival staples like boots and cowboy hats, leather goods and all the Western merch in-between. This event is free to attend; VIP tickets are for sale. For $125, VIP's will get front-of-the-line passes to the shuttle service to and from Hart Park, an all-you-can-eat barbecue lunch in the private patio behind Hart Hall, limited edition cowboy merchandise and more.
Leading up to the festival, there are several exclusive ticketed events and performances you won't want to miss. You can catch a captivating retelling of Buffalo Bill or experience the heart and soul of the West at The MAIN in Old Town Newhall, or explore a cultural celebration at the historic Ranch Camulos Museum in Fillmore. Bring the whole family to the Newhall Family Theatre for Cowboy Family Night and saddle up for live music, laughter and cowboy storytelling. Come Saturday night, dance the night away with Dancing into the Dusk. If you enjoy two-stepping and line dancing, you're going to want to grab your friends to learn all the latest line dancing moves from on-site instructors. For more information about the Cowboy Festival or any of the special events, please visit cowboyfestival.org.

Q: FestAbility is coming up in May. What can you tell us about this special event?
Creating an inclusive environment, where every resident feels safe and welcome, is the foundation of our community here in Santa Clarita. FestAbility, formerly known as the Free to be Me Festival, is a special event set to do just that. This celebration welcomes the Santa Clarita special needs community and their families to West Creek Park - located at 24247 Village Circle Drive - on Sunday, May 4 from 12pm to 3pm. Attendees can enjoy live demonstrations from organizations that support individuals with special needs, stimulating arts and crafts experiences, face painting and interactive character appearances. A variety of sports opportunities will be available, including basketball, volleyball, golf, street hockey and soccer, accommodating players of all abilities. This is the perfect opportunity to try out a new sport and discover a new hobby. West Creek Park is the ideal location for this event due to its inclusive elements. Ramps across the play structure provide easy accessibility, a roller slide helps reduce static for individuals with cochlear implants and specialized equipment such as the We-Go-Swing and We-Go-Round provide abundant room for all users. A sensory-friendly Chill Zone will be available for those who might need a quiet space to relax and therapy animals will also be on-site. This event is free and open to residents of all ages and abilities. For more information, please visit santaclarita.gov/festability.

Q: The first SENSES Block Party is back this month!
Can you tell us about this year's exciting lineup?
Every year, SENSES Block Party brings a lineup of creative and engaging themes that stimulate all your senses, and this year is no different. Join us on the third Thursday of the month, from 7pm to 10pm, as we kick-off this event series with Alley-Oop, a basketball-themed party. Grab your friends and family and head on over to Main Street in Old Town Newhall on March 20, and compete in friendly competitions to show off your best slam dunk. On April 17, enjoy a blast from the past, with a Barcade, a classic arcade-themed adventure. Play all your favorite games like pinball, and the best part is - it's free. Embrace your inner spy, and participate in some action-packed challenges, with Spy Games on May 15. Date Night on June 19 features all the classic date night activities, from miniature golf to interactive games. Each SENSES Block Party features an on-site bar and a variety of tasty food trucks, whether you're wanting something sweet or savory. Dance to live musical performances and soak in all the themed-decor as you explore all SENSES has to offer. To learn more about SENSES Block Party, please visit oldtownnewhall.com.