Celebrating Oklahoma’s Favorite Son

Movies, Parades, and More at Will Rogers Days

Get ready, Claremore! The town is buzzing as they gear up to celebrate the 145th birthday of the one and only Will Rogers—actor, humorist, and the heart and soul of Oklahoma. From October 30 to November 2, Will Rogers Days is back, offering four jam-packed days of movies, parades, and all-around fun to honor this legendary figure.

Starting off the festivities is the Will Rogers Motion Picture Festival, running from October 30 to November 1 at the Will Rogers Memorial Theater. This festival is the perfect tribute to Will Rogers’ Hollywood stardom, featuring films submitted from all over the world. Over 40 films are in the lineup, showcasing everything from heartwarming shorts to epic features. It’s a can’t-miss event for movie buffs and those just wanting to immerse themselves in a bit of cinematic magic.

Will Rogers for President

Fast forward to November 2, and the excitement really ramps up with the Will Rogers Days Parade, starting at 3 p.m. and broadcast on RSU TV. The parade’s theme this year is “Will Rogers for President”, a nod to Rogers’ famous satirical run for the presidency. “Will Rogers had a satirical run for president, and we wanted to use that as an opportunity to bring attention to the political attitudes of this country,” explained Bryan Beard, the Education Coordinator. And it’s not just about the laughs—this year’s parade aims to bring people together, regardless of political affiliation.

Both Democratic and Republican candidates are invited to join in the fun, making the parade an opportunity to showcase unity and harmony in a world where, let’s be honest, we could use a bit more of that! Anybody who wants to join the parade can easily sign up by submitting a form at willrogers.com. So, grab your family, friends, and maybe a patriotic sign or two—it’s going to be a day to remember!

Birthday Bash

But the party doesn’t stop with the parade. Immediately after, head over to the Will Rogers Memorial for the Birthday Bash, a free event packed with fun for the whole family. Expect cake, a Jupiter jump for the kiddos, and an exciting giveaway. Plus, the festivities continue with the Dog Iron Awards Show, which will honor the best films from the Will Rogers Motion Picture Festival. Some of the top awards include Best Made in Oklahoma Featured Film and Best Made in Oklahoma Short. It’s a celebration of creativity and community that you won’t want to miss.

Will Rogers Values & Beliefs

So why is this celebration so important? Will Rogers was more than just a movie star or a comedian. As Bryan Beard so perfectly put it, “He was a political commentator whose values brought everybody together, and with a current America that is so politically divided, we can definitely use more of that.”

This parade, which has been a Claremore tradition since the 1950s, once made national news. The values and beliefs that Will Rogers stood for—humor, humility, and unity—are as relevant today as they were in his time. And this year’s celebration serves as a reminder that sometimes, a little humor and heart can go a long way in bringing us all together.

For more information about all the events, visit willrogers.com. Remember, all events are free to attend—so there’s really no excuse to miss out on this community-driven, fun-filled weekend!