Chili, crafters and cowboy songs at Holidays on the Homestead, Dec. 1

Celebrate the holidays vintage-style at the 8th annual Holidays on the Homestead, Saturday, Dec. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Antelope Valley Indian Museum.

Originally a 1930s homestead, the park will feature historic holiday decor with live acoustic music around a campfire, a chili cook-off, a tour of the historic grounds, a country craft boutique, real "cowboy coffee" brewed over the fire and hot cocoa or cider for the kids. Explore the unique hand-built museum and whimsical grounds at night, with soft lighting, the smell of fresh greenery and the wintery sky sparkling over a commanding view of the desert.

Stay warm around the blazing bonfire while Michael Tcherkassky, aka "The Saddle Serenader," croons romantic cowboy poetry songs about life on the range. Cattlemen composed cowboy poetry by day during their journeys across the old west, and then sang them around the campfire after the sun went down. Michael has performed traditional cowboy songs and poetry for many years at the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival and other events around the country.

The country craft boutique features unique gifts made by local artists, carrying on the creative tradition of Howard Arden Edwards, who built the Indian Museum to display his collection of American Indian artifacts. The Craftsman-style building is decorated with his colorful representations of Indian culture and hand-made furniture.

Howard's wife, Rose, was known for her tasty rib-sticking chili and cornbread feasts at their holiday celebrations. Try Rose's original 1930 "Christmas Chili" and the chili cook-off entries, complemented by delicious cornbread generously provided by The Lemon Leaf Café.

Event admission is $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12 and ages 5 and under are free.

The Antelope Valley Indian Museum is located at 15701 East Avenue M in Lancaster, near Lake Los Angeles. Information can be found at http://www.AVIM.parks.ca.gov and http://www.Facebook.com/AVIndianMuseum, or call (661) 946-3055 (711, TTY relay service). Please come out for this special holiday event, rain or shine!