Craig Morgan. Courtesy photo.
THOUSAND OAKS — The inaugural Wild Oaks Country Music Festival takes place Saturday, June 3 in Thousand Oaks and will feature some of Nashville’s favorite country artists. Performers include country chart-topping Craig Morgan, grammy-nominated Cam, American Idol winner Chayce Beckham and local favorites Justin Honsinger and Chris Johnson and the Hollywood Hillbillies. The festival kicks off at noon and runs to 7:00 p.m. at Conejo Creek Park South (1300 E. Janss Rd., Thousand Oaks).
Dance instructor Jodi Maas will lead line dancing and line dance lessons. The festival features DJ Paul “Sweet P” Flannery and Josh Kelly. Dave Daniels, the morning show host on KHAY, is the MC.
The festival offers an array of activities. Festivalgoers can sample hot sauces and vote for their favorite sauce, browse 60 merchant booths, indulge in a variety of foods from more than 15 food vendors and food trucks and enjoy beer, wine and spirits at the Silver Spurs Saloon. There will be a Kids Korral sponsored by the Southeast Ventura County YMCA with plenty of free kids’ games and fun.
Those attending can bid on items during a silent auction and join in a raffle with the winner receiving an acoustic guitar donated by The Guitar Center. The Los Angeles Rams cheerleaders will also make an appearance.
Wild Oaks is sponsored by the Westlake Village Rotary. All net proceeds will go to local organizations supporting military veterans, human trafficking prevention and first responders.
In addition, 13 festival vendor booths have been donated to nonprofits: Boys & Girls Club of Greater Conejo Valley, Old Boney Mountain Foundation for Kids, Harbor House, K9s for Warriors, Musicians on a Mission, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County, Kiwanis Club of Thousand Oaks, America Supporting Americans, Interface Children Family Services, Many Mansions, Guitar Center Foundation, Bumble Bee Foundation and the Southeast Ventura County YMCA.
“Come out and enjoy great country music, dance, eat, drink (responsibly), browse the vendor booths and support your community,” says Mary-Catherine McBride, festival co-chair.
Sponsors include Dave & Busters, KHAY, Oaks Event Rentals, Enegren, Tarantula Hills Brewing Company, MadeWest Brewing Company, Visit Conejo Valley, Athens Services, Big Brand Tire & Service, Legendary Organics, Learn to Lead, American Tire Depot, Harley’s Valley Bowl, The Palm Garden Hotel, The Ranch/Simi Valley Country, Midway Studio Rentals, Sunset Studio Rental, The Acorn and The Kim Pagano Show.
Tickets are $65 on the festival website (https://wildoakscmf.com) through May 28 ($75 after that and at the door). A limited number of VIP tickets are available that include shaded seating next to the stage, private restrooms, VIP parking and food and drink tickets. Kids under 12 are free. Free parking. For more information:obmhsn@gmail.com, 805-701-7248. Follow Wild Oaks Country Music Festival on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/wildoakscmf.