The 2008 Cowboy Festival is set to run on Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, when visitors are invited to Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio, a real working movie ranch formerly owned by Gene Autry.

Those who have attended the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival in the past are no strangers to the mouth-watering varieties of cowboy and western cuisine offered.

Even the heartiest western appetite is satisfied when indulging in the traditional flavors available. This year's Gold Rush Food Court will feature fine cowboy cuisine, including BBQ beef, Tri-tip, chili, corn on the cob and "Cowboy Coffee."

One of the most coveted food items offered at the festival is the famous peach cobbler, made in Dutch ovens set over coals that have been burning all day.

The Cowboy Cultural Committee is responsible for producing the cooked-to-perfection peach cobbler, served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Those with a huge appetite for western fare should sign up to attend the Chuckwagon Dinner, an event that is part of the week-long cowboy festivities.

The dinner will feature chuckwagon cooking demonstrations and dinner, with entertaining prairie lore and music by Juni Fisher.

This event will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24, at the Heritage Junction at William S. Hart Park.

Tickets are still available for the Chuckwagon Dinner for $40 and can be purchased online at www.cowboyfestival.org. You can also visit the Web site for more information.