Destined for Fun

Destination Claremore week, April 27 through May 5, features a huge array of things to do.

Staff of TTCU of Claremore, a Destination Claremore sponsor (L to R): Ashley Carter, Heather Garrison, Lisa Dennis with the Claremore CVB, Amanda Rue, ATEM Cash (in the middle), Ashley Lowther, Sheri Bunch, Sarah Wright, and Branch Manager Bryan Bradley.

The spring destination you won’t want to miss is Claremore, Oklahoma, April 27 through May 5. A variety of events will be happening every day at the ­magnificent attractions around the community.

This nine-day event will kick off with Woolly Weekend at Shepherd’s Cross, April 27 and 28. Watch the “Sheep to Shawl” event – wool will be shorn from the sheep on the farm and is made into usable products right before your eyes! The Shepherd’s Shop will be open with lots of Made in Oklahoma goodies from local artisans. Demonstrations on spinning wheels, washing wool, weaving, knitting, and other wool crafting will be going on ­throughout the day.

The Will Rogers Memorial Museum is hosting the American Cowboys Traders Days April 27, 28, and 29 from 8 a.m. to dusk each day. A wide selection of tack, cowboy and cowgirl items, and much more will be available from the ­vendors. The JM Davis Arms and Historical Museum will be hosting The Gun and Knife Show April 28 and 29, with ­vendors bringing an array of items. Route 66 Cruisers will be "Cruising Into Ne-Mar" on Saturday, April 28. Last year they had over 300 cars participate. Stop by any time from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to see a variety of classic cars!

The Nut House on Route 66 will have an antique show with a variety of antique and arts and crafts vendors, April 28 and 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Have a treat like homemade fudge or a snack from Hot Mama’s Deli while you are there!

Monday, April 30, visitors can meet the king of the Mother Road, Michael Wallis, at the JM Davis Arms & Historical Museum. There will be a social hour at 5 p.m. with a short ­program and book signing to ­follow. Tickets for this event are $5 and will be available for ­purchase beginning April 2 at the JM Davis Museum.

The Belvidere Mansion will be having a High Tea and Hats Fashion Show on Tuesday, May 2 at 3 p.m. This event will feature vintage apparel from the 30s, 40s, and 50s. Tickets are ­available for purchase at the Belvidere Mansion for $12.

On Wednesday, May 2, the JM Davis Arms & Historical Museum will host the annual Claremore Wall of Fame Induction ceremony. Past inductees include Stuart Roosa, Lynn Riggs, and Will Rogers. Last year Laurie Williams was inducted for her role in “Oklahoma!” with Shirley Jones accepting the honor. Come see who will receive the honor this year!

The Singin’ Rage Miss Patti Page is going to be ­honored in the main event for Destination. “FLIPSIDE: The Patti Page Story” is a musical written by Greg White of Front Page Productions. Recently, ­FLIPSIDE received several awards and honors by the Regional & National Kennedy Center Festival Awards. They include Outstanding Honors for: Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Director of a Musical (Greg White of Front Page Productions), Outstanding Sound Design (Sun Hee Kil), Outstanding Performance by an Actress (Haley Jane Pierce), and Outstanding Performance by a Guest Artist (Lindsie VanWinkle). The musical ­tribute to Patti Page also received several Kennedy Center distinguished nods and ­commendations in a variety of categories. The ­musical will be premiering at the Robson Performing Arts Center Thursday, May 3 at 4 p.m.; a ­second performance is Friday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. Purchase tickets through the PAC ticket office at (918) 699-7390 or go online to www.myticketoffice.com.

Taste of Claremore will be held at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum on Thursday, May 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. Enjoy samples of all Claremore has to offer including restaurants, caterers, and ­wineries, as well as great local entertainment. Tickets will be available for purchase April 2 from the Convention & Visitors Bureau or at the event.

Saturday, May 5, you can also enjoy the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. There will be live ­thoroughbred racing going on throughout the day as well as simulcast for the Derby. Enjoy cash giveaways, Derby Day hat contests, and more!

The Lilac Festival rounds out Destination Claremore in historic downtown Claremore Saturday, May 5. The Master Gardeners will have plants for sale, other great vendors will be set up with a variety of ­homemade goods, enjoy a cake walk, live entertainment, weenie dog races, and fun activities for the children!

Presenting sponsors for Destination Claremore are RCB Bank, Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs, City of Claremore, Oklahoma Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Other sponsors include BancFirst, Grand Bank, TTCU of Claremore, Reasor’s, Claremore Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the Robson Performing Arts Center.

For more details about Destination Claremore and other events happening in Claremore, please visit the Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website at www.visitclaremore.org or call (918) 341-8688.

For more information, contact

Claremore Convention & Visitors Bureau

(918) 341-8688