Gimme that old Frontier dirt anytime!

Then, 'long about two years back, the folks in charge went all Valencia on us. They upped and moved the annual git-together to the sterile blacktop at what we used to call the Saugus Speedway.

The natives didn't take too strong a liking to that, so come this year, they're moving the Frontier Days festival back to the dirt.

And what a festival it will be!

It all starts a week from tomorrow, on July the 4th to be exact, in a dirt field next to the new Santa Clarita Soccer Center on Soledad Canyon Road.

This'll be the first time in recent memory that Frontier Days has happened over the Fourth of July weekend, although in old, old, old times they did hold "Placeritos Days" on the Fourth, as best I know.

Anyway, with the date change and the better location — not to mention the amount of work the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce has put into this thing — it's certain to be one of the biggest and best Frontier Days Celebrations ever.

There's something for everyone, whether you're an old timer or just a little kid.

They've got carnival rides. They've got balloon rides. They've got stunt shows. They've got food booths. They've got arts and crafts. They've got Western dance lessons. They've got so many Country bands lined up, they'll be able to provide non-stop entertainment every afternoon and night.

And the contests!

They've got pie eating contests. They've got hotdog eating contests. They've got watermelon eating contests. They've got Kareoke contests. They've got a Chili Cookoff.

Heck, they've even got pig races.

And on Thursday, the Fourth of July, the skies over the fairgrounds will fill up with the sights and sounds of FIREWORKS. (Thanks to Six Flags California, just so you know.)

It doesn't stop there.

The Chamber's regular Wednesday mixer will be held at the fairgrounds on July 3rd, sort of as a warm-up. It's there that they'll introduce the winner of the most serious contest of them all — the 1996 Miss Frontier Belle — who will be chosen this coming Sunday at the Elks Lodge.

Which, of course, is not to downplay the significance of the Find-The-Loot contest that's being put on by The Signal and the Chamber. The winner will take home the cash on Sunday the 7th, assuming someone has dug up the buried treasure by then. Mind the clue that's buried inside today's Signal!

For a complete listing of Frontier Days events, pick up a souvenir catalog at the front gate when you get there.

Remember: half-price tickets are still available if you call the Chamber at 259-4787 during regular business hours. They won't be half price if you wait until the festivities start.

Well, that's it for now. We've got a Fourth of July-cum-Frontier Days parade slated for Old Newhall, and there is much left to do.

Watch for the special section in this Sunday's Signal for parade information and a run-down of Fourth of July activities throughout the Santa Clarita Valley!