(Cedar City, UT) - The Annual Cedar Livestock and Heritage Festival activities in Cedar City begin Friday, Oct. 26 with stock dog, antique tractor and Draft Horse pulling demos at the Cross Hollows Events Center starting at 3 to 7 p.m.

That evening the famed western musician R.W. Hampton will be in concert at the Heritage Center. R.W. is one of Western Music Associations’ Top Male Performer of the Year and was recently inducted into the Western Music Association’s Hall of Fame. Blessed with a wonderfully rich baritone voice, R.W. has a quality of genuineness about him that resonates when he’s on stage, in person or just through the words of his songs. For R.W. has lived what he sings about, and the world of early mornings, hard work, rough horses, maverick cattle and new ranges fits him. After twenty-two years in the entertainment business, R.W. is still pure cowboy, singing about what he loves best. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Heritage Center Box Office at 105 N. 100 East or call 435-865-2882.

Saturday morning 1,000 head of sheep will be herded from local pastures along Main Street; providing a glimpse of the Old West and its livestock heritage to spectators along the route. The Sheep Parade is one of the most unique parades in the country. “The sheep drive is about tradition, when cattle and sheep ranchers moved their animals from summer range on Cedar Mountain to winter range in the valley,” says Maria Twitchell, executive director of the Cedar City-Brian Head Tourism Bureau. “Cedar City is the only city in the United States that still has a designated livestock trail that runs through town. “ Horses, wagons, antiques tractors, and historic and modern sheep camps also will take part in the procession and be on display the remainder of the day at the Cross Hollows Events Center.

The “People’s Choice” Dutch Oven Cook Off is Saturday at 12:30 where winners in four categories will be selected by the public. Other activities celebrating the livestock festival include a kid’s tractor pull and an antique tractor pull, a quilt show, cowboy poetry and music, hands on demonstrations, pioneer games, wool spinning, and vendors.

New this year, is the Dennis Stowell Memorial Ranch Rodeo where real cowboys show the prowess in traditional ranch skills. The Ranch Rodeo will take place Saturday at 1 p.m.

The next morning is the return of Cowboy Church, a non denominational program of spiritual poetry and song. Cowboy Church will be held at the Frontier Homestead Stake Park at 10 a.m.

For more information a complete schedule of events, visit www.cedarlivestockfest.com or call 435-586-8132.