COWBOY FESTIVAL A STEP BACK IN TIME.

Byline: Amy Raisin Staff Writer

NEWHALL - Jesse James, the infamous Old West bank robber, had more than just a disguise in mind when he wore those bandannas over his face.

As strong winds pierced the 10th annual Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival on Saturday, visitors did their best to keep the dust out of their eyes, noses and, most importantly, off their mesquite-smoked chuck-wagon style portions of beef and baked beans.

While posing a challenge to musicians and lasso artists, the wind and dust lent an authentic touch to the event, where thousands strolled Main Street at historic Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio and immersed themselves in the gritty ways of the Old West.

``We try and come every year,'' said Northridge resident Hallie Hetzel, who came with her husband. ``We like the Western atmosphere. We love to travel all over the West. Anything east of the Rockies, my husband doesn't think it's worth it.''

With ladies wearing in dresses with bustles and fancy hats and men sauntering around in cowboys boots and dusty chaps, a day at the festival was like a trip back in time.

As mounted sheriff's deputies kept watch over the vendors - hawking art, clothing and leather goods in tents and wooden buildings - a lasso-wielding man on stilts entertained the crowd.

Under a wooden porch bearing the sign ``Hong Kee Washing and Ironing,'' two women in bonnets and skirts spun flax on spinning wheels as an older man skillfully manipulated a loom.

The weekend event, which drew an estimated 10,000 people last year, included sold-out performances by country bands ``Riders in the Sky,'' ``Bob Willis' Texas Playboys'' and ``Hot Club of Cowtown.''

The day of music, food and family fun was, for many, a welcome diversion from the worries of war.

``It's a nice break from that. I haven't thought about it all day,'' said Jackie Leffler of Canyon Country, who brought her teenage daughter and young son. ``We love the food. That's my favorite part. And seeing everybody dressed up.

Son Michael, 8, an avid Davy Crockett fan, arrived in his rust-colored, fringed suede jacket and brown cowboy hat.

``I have some toy rifles. And I practice with my rope sometimes,'' he said. ``I like to spin my rope off to the side.''

But the reality of the war in Iraq was never far off. The ranch's movie prop museum featured a collection of military Jeeps featured in TV shows like ``M*A*S*H.''

It was the massive reproduction of a T-72 Soviet Tank, however, that served as a stark reminder of America's battles in Iraq. The tank was featured in the George Clooney film ``Three Kings,'' which was based on the last days of the Persian Gulf war in 1991.

The festival continues today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for adults are $10 each, while tickets for children 11 and under cost $5.

CAPTION(S):

6 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color in SAC edition only) Michael Tcherkassky of Burbank sings to visitors at Melody Ranch during the 10th annual Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival on Saturday. The weekend event, which drew an estimated 10,000 people last year, continues today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(2 -- ran in SAC edition only) Bryan Jones demonstrates blacksmithing at the festival. Other Old West-era displays included women spinning flax and a man using a loom to weave cloth.

(3 -- ran in SAC edition only) Five-year-old Anthony Larios of Elko, Nevada, rests on a hay bale as he watches the activities at Saturday's 10th annual Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival at Melody Ranch.

(4 -- ran in SAC edition only) Although wind and sand were a big part of the Old West, Talon Hudson probably doesn't appreciate the authentic touch as he covers his eyes from the blowing dust while his mother, Shantel Veluzat Hudson, leads him down Main Street during the Cowboy Festival.

(5 -- 6 -- ran in SAC edition only) Above, people make their way down Main Street at the Melody Ranch on Saturday, enjoying the Old West feel of the motion picture filming site that plays host to annual Cowboy Poetry and Music Festival. At left, Jim Townsley of Chatsworth performs rope tricks while on stilts, one of many entertainers taking part in the annual event, which continues today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m

Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer