Destination Claremore

The annual event returns April 27-May 5 to celebrate the past, present and future of Claremore and Rogers County.

By: Value News | Category: In Our Communities | Issue: February 2012

Destination Claremore 2012 committee members include (L to R): Tanya Andrews, Ali Aguilar, Savannah Haddock, and Lisa Dennis.

Mark your calendars for April 27-May 5. Your destination is Claremore, where nine days of events will celebrate the past, present and future of this historic community and Rogers County. “We have incorporated events with historical meaning for our city as well as the county for this year’s Destination Claremore,” says Tanya Andrews, executive director of the Claremore Convention & Visitors Bureau (CCVB).

A Wild and Woolly Weekend will kick off this third annual celebration at Shepherd’s Cross, an Oklahoma Agritourism business, located northeast of Claremore. On Friday and Saturday, April 27-28, visitors can walk through the barn to observe the sheep shearing. Other wool crafting demonstrations will take place throughout the two-day event. All events are free. For more information about the Wild and Woolly weekend, see their website at www.shepherdscross.com.

American Cowboys Trader Days, where visitors can buy, sell and trade their wares, is set for Saturday and Sunday, April 28-29. Cowboy tack will be featured at the Will Rogers Memorial while guns and knives will be available at the trade show at the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum.

Vintage cars are also returning to this year’s event when the Rt. 66 Cruisers drive into town on Saturday, April 28 to the Ne-Mar Shopping Center. “Over 300 cars participated last year,” says Andrews. To be a part of this event, contact Dwayne Caldwell at eat0@eau0eav0eaw0.

Visitors can also get involved on Saturday, April 28 at the Dog Iron Poker Run & Rally, held at the Will Rogers Downs. “All proceeds from this event will benefit Rogers County Youth Services,” says Ali Aguilar, Will Rogers Downs marketing manager. “We are excited to be a co-sponsor of this event for the third year.”

The Wall of Fame induction, set for Monday evening, April 30 at the J.M. Davis museum, will recognize another individual for philanthropic efforts or for community giving and support. Past inductees include Will Rogers, Clem Rogers, Clem McSpadden, Stuart Roosa, Patti Page, Andy Payne, Helen Walton, Lynn Riggs, J.M. Davis, W.R. Howell and Shirley Jones, who portrayed Laurie in the musical, “Oklahoma!”

Area restaurants, caterers and wineries will be showcased at the Taste of Claremore event at the Will Rogers Memorial on Thursday evening, May 3. One ticket price – $10 in advance and $12 at the door – will get you a taste of all vendors’ wares. “We had at least 25 vendors who have participated in the last two years,” says Andrews.

The Robson PAC will also host a musical, “Flipside: The Patti Page Story,” which was co-written by Patti Page and Front Page Production producer, Greg White. A matinee is set for
4 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, with a Friday evening event scheduled for 7:30. Ticket prices range from $25 to $35 plus taxes and fees. You can go online to www.myticketoffice.com to purchase tickets.

Saturday, May 5 will highlight Derby Day at Will Rogers Downs with live horse racing and simulcast of the Kentucky Derby. A derby hat contest with cash prizes and a live band that evening will highlight the day, along with cash giveaways to participants.

The annual Lilac Festival is also back on Saturday, May 5 with the master gardeners’ plant sale, arts and crafts vendors, children’s craft area, live entertainment, food concessions and weenie dog races in historic downtown Claremore.

Presenting sponsors for this year’s event are RCB Bank and Will Rogers Downs. 1st Bank Oklahoma is the Heritage Sponsor and TTCU The Credit Union of Claremore is the Conversations Sponsor, with the Robson PAC and the CCVB co-sponsoring Destination Claremore. Savannah Haddock, RCB marketing associate, says, “We are happy to be a co-sponsor for the third year. We are a community bank and we enjoy giving back to the community.”

“This event started small two years ago and has grown to this magnitude in three years,” says Andrews. “It’s a great community to be a part of.” For a full schedule of events and contact information, check out the CCVB website at www.visitclaremore.org. Tuesday and Wednesday events are still in the planning stages.

For more information, contact