SeeCalifornia.com

In 2012 California became the second state to declare the 4th Saturday in July as National Day of the American Cowboy, signing on with Senate Resolution SCR 70.

We don’t know any place that celebrates it better than Norco, Calif. where an annual Day of the Cowboy festival in “Horsetown USA” pays homage to America’s cowboy and Western heritage.

The Grand Opening Celebration at 9 a.m. in George Ingalls Equestrian Event Center’s arena is a presentation of flags on horseback and an Honorary Cowboy. Stick around to watch an Old West Bandit Shootout re-enactment at high noon, followed by the Southern California Youth Bull Riders Mutton Bustin’ and Rodeo at 12:30 p.m.

Located in Riverside County, the City of Norco is an equestrian paradise hosting many cowboy themed events throughout the seasons. The city even has an online souvenir store inviting the public to purchase hats, tote bags, license plate holders and drinking cups, all with the signature Horsetown USA logo.

California’s Got Cowboys!

The Cowboy Capital of the World is Oakdale, CA where Cowboy Santa arrives in town on a horse!

Santa Clarita has a storied history of cowboys in movie-making and each year celebrates with the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival in April.

Oakland each year hosts a unique Black Cowboy Parade and festival (usually in October,) celebrating the West’s best, black cowboys.

Lone Pine with its nearby Alabama Hills and celebrated Eastern Sierras each year holds a film festival paying homage to Hollywood’s Western movies and TV series filmed in the area.

California cowboy festivals abound. Check some out!