Will Rogers Days Recognized
The American Bus Association () recently named the 75th Anniversary of Will Rogers Days, to be held Nov. 1-4, as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2013. According to , inclusion in the Top 100 list indicates that Will Rogers Days offers excellent entertainment value to both tour groups and individual travelers from around the world, “The attractiveness of Will Rogers Days as a don’t-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Claremore,” says Peter J. Pantuso, president and . “Will Rogers Days has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives Claremore an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners.”
As for my motorcoach groups are so valuable to communities, “motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer,” he says. “That’s why Will Rogers Days is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay.”
Will Rogers Days was chosen out of more than 500 event nominations submitted by members. Judges considered the event’s broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches, skill at handling large groups, and other criteria.
“As a member of the American Bus Association, the Claremore Convention and Visitors Bureau is elated for our community and the Will Rogers Days Celebrations to receive this honor,” says Tanya Andrews, executive director of the Claremore Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Knowing the judges appreciate the ongoing events and attractions that we are home to, is exciting and we are looking forward to celebration the 75th anniversary of Will’s memorial during the annual Will Rogers Days.”
The 75th Anniversary of Will Rogers Days is a city-wide event and will introduce the Will Rogers Days Chuck Wagon Cook-Off, Nov. 2 at the Claremore Expo Center. “Claremore is Will’s hometown, and I think he himself would have enjoyed this event and been proud to participate,” says Tanya Andrews, executive director of Visit Claremore.
A Chuck Wagon Cook-Off will complement the variety of other events that will take place throughout Claremore and Oologah (Roger’s birthplace). In addition to the cook-off, there will be an antique and collectible car exhibit by the Route 66 Cruiser’s, entertainment and a variety of western-themed vendors.
Wagon teams will be competing in five food categories, including meat, potatoes, beans, bread and dessert. Prizes will be awarded for each of the five categories, along with Best Overall Wagon, Authenticity, and the Will Rogers Choice Award. Wagon Masters will enter their food to be judged by 2 p.m.; public meals will then be served.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Claremore Expo Center or by calling 918-341-8688. Advance tickets are $8, $10 on the day of the event. There are a limited number of meals per wagon, so it is suggested that tickets be purchased early.
Other events include a parade on Nov. 2 at 10 a.m., led by Parade Marshall Larry Gatlin, the Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club’s Hats off to Will, a wreath laying ceremony and reception, and a birthday party for Will at his birthplace ranch in Oologah on Nov. 4.
The JM Davis Arms & Historical Museum will host Remembering Our Fallen, a photo exhibit on loan from the General Tommy Franks Museum that honors Oklahoma’s fallen soldiers. The exhibit opens Nov. 1 at 8:30 a.m. and will run through Nov. 11.
For more information on the event, call 877-341-8688 or visit visitclaremore.org.
Updated 10-28-2013
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