Kern Pioneer Village will open the newly restored boyhood home of country music legend Merle Haggard on April 9. Thanks to the generous support of the Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust, the project will be showcased at the first Haggard Boxcar Festival which will include live music by Ben & Noel Haggard, Merle Haggard’s sons. The Strangers, Merle’s band, will accompany them. Music by Johnny Owens & the Buck Fever Band, James Carothers, food sellers, craft vendors and guided tours of the Haggard House will also be featured that day. For tickets please call (661) 437-3330. Tickets will also be available the day of the event. Gates open at 11:30; festivities begin at noon.