26th Annual Home Tour

What would the holidays in Claremore be without another tradition: the Junior Ocieleta Club’s Christmas Home Tour?

Certain traditions come with the holidays in Claremore, Oklahoma, such as the festive lighting of Will Rogers Boulevard, extending from Rogers State University through old downtown. And what would the holidays in Claremore be without another tradition: the Junior Ocieleta Club’s Christmas Home Tour? This year’s tour takes place Saturday, December 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Junior Ocieleta Club’s Christmas Home Tour has ushered in December for over 25 years —and this year’s event promises not to disappoint. Four families will open their homes for touring: Brian and Tami Green at 14693 E. 445 Road in Claremore, John and Becca Doshier at 23775 S. Courtney Lane in Verdigris, J.T. and Cari Bohannan at 19496 Pecan Ridge Court in Claremore, and Michael and Cheri Peters at 13950 E. 500 Road in Claremore. All homes have been decorated for the holidays according to the personalities of each individual family and are sure to inspire the Christmas spirit in tour attendees.

Also included in the tour is the Craft House, located at First Christian Church at 5th and Florence in Claremore. “Numerous crafters have been welcomed this year to the Craft House,” says Heather Isaacs, Junior Ocieleta Club president. Booths will feature items such as Christmas decorations, gift items, wooden crafts, handmade jewelry, baked goods, ornaments, home accessories, clothing and much more. Hours for the Craft House are the same as the tour (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), but admission to it is free. “We welcome everyone to come and enjoy the wonderful Christmas treats.”

This event continues to grow in popularity, drawing 500 to 700 people every year, according to Heather. Members of the Junior Ocieleta Club are present at each home to welcome all who attend — individuals, families, groups, even bus tours — and to answer any questions. Large groups and bus tours, please call in advance for accommodations. Tickets are $10 and will be available at any of the homes the day of the tour. Becca Cox, home tour director, encourages everyone who can to purchase tickets in advance from participating businesses, as this will reduce waiting time should there be inclement weather. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the tour go to help fund Claremore community projects, including Big Brothers and Big Sisters, CASA, Claremore Public Schools Foundation, Safenet, Bit by Bit, the Manger, and Friends of the Library.

Like the home tour it began hosting, the Junior Ocieleta Club itself is a Claremore tradition, founded over five decades ago by philanthropist Ocie Mayberry. This year’s sponsors for the home tour include Bank of Commerce, Bob’s Printing, Cross Bo Construction, Crumption Aviation, 1st Bank, EOOC—Steve Hardage, M.D., Larry and Melissa Herriman, Hydrohoist, Lilack Salon, PCC Cleaning and Restoration, Rogers County Real Estate Association, Rogers County Abstract and Land Title, and James Tanner.

To give your Christmas season the most festive of beginnings, be sure to attend the Junior Ocieleta Christmas Home Tour. Advance tickets can be purchased at all RCB Bank locations, Gripado's Deli, Java Dave's at 1120 W. Will Rogers, Uniquely Susie's, Hoover's Have All Mall, The Nut House, Belvidere Mansion, Claremore Chamber of Commerce, Floral Creations, J & J Pharmacy, Lilack Salon, and The Pink House.

For more information, contact

Junior Ocieleta Club

(918) 951-0804

www.joclaremore.com