Santa Clarita / Antelope Valley : Animal Show to Benefit Hart Park and Museum

Lynx and eagles and bears, O my. These animals and many more--both exotic and tame--will be featured at a May 21 animal fair benefiting William S. Hart Park.

Canine movie stars Missy--from “Beethoven II”--and Hooch--from “Turner and Hooch”-- will headline the event, but old favorites will be on hand, too.

“We just got word that Norman, the steer from “City Slickers,” will be returning,” said Hart Park animal keeper Margo White. “He is kind of like our recurring star.”

The event is a fund-raiser for the Hart Park and Museum. The 265-acres, open to the public seven days a week, were willed to the county by silent film star William S. Hart. Hart’s most beloved co-star was Fritz, the horse he saddled up and rode off into countless sunsets during his long film career of making mostly Westerns.

Tours are offered of Hart’s home, which is filled with Western and Native American art and artifacts, on a limited basis. The real attraction of the compound--and the intention of Hart’s will--was that the grounds be used for the care of animals.

“He was a great animal lover,” White said.

The expansive estate, dotted throughout with picnic and camping sites, is also home to the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society, which is restoring several buildings on the site.

“We need events like this, not just to raise money for the park, but to let the public know we are here,” White said. “We have so much to offer, and it is such a shame no one knows we are here.”

The Animal Fair will offer free activities and shows while entrance to the animal yards will cost a dollar or two, White said.

“We wanted to make an event where a family could come with a reasonable amount of money and all their kids, have a hot dog and some fun,” White explained. “At the same time it is educational and benefits animals and helps improve the park and museum.”

On the wild side, the show will feature a baboon and a grizzly bear as well as exotic cats and predatory birds. Magic Mountain’s “Animal Chatter” show will be performed, and the Castaic Animal Shelter will offer dogs and cats for adoption.

The day will also feature pony rides, face painting and an Old West show.

Hart Park is situated at 24151 San Fernando Road in Newhall.