Will Rogers Days

A Three-Day Tribute to a Cherokee Legend

The legacy of Will Rogers, the Cherokee cowboy, philosopher, and movie actor, continues to shine as the city of Claremore, Oklahoma, prepares to host the annual Will Rogers Days. From November 2 through November 5, 2024, a series of events will celebrate the life and contributions of one of America’s most beloved entertainers. This year’s festivities are special as they coincide with the 125th anniversary of the Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club, an organization closely tied to Will Rogers and his heritage.

Pocahontas Spirit - 125th Anniversary Gala: A Historic Milestone

Kicking off the celebrations, the Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club will host the Pocahontas Spirit - 125th Anniversary Gala on November 1, 2024, at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. This elegant evening event marks not only the beginning of Will Rogers Days but also the club’s 125th anniversary. Founded in 1899 by young Cherokee women from the Oowala neighborhood, the Pocahontas Club has grown into a nationally recognized institution dedicated to preserving Cherokee culture and passing down a legacy of pride and knowledge to future generations. “Ollie Starr, a longtime member, explained the significance of the event: ‘It’s about celebrating our past while carrying our history forward into the future.”

Attendees of this coveted, ticketed event can look forward to an inspiring keynote address by Stacy Leeds, the first Native American female dean and a prominent Indian law trailblazer. Leeds, who teaches at Arizona State University’s law school, will speak on the significant impact Cherokee women have had throughout history, highlighting their trailblazing influence.

Adding to the evening’s allure, Will Roberts, the award-winning actor and “Modern Day Will Rogers,” will perform a special tribute to Will Rogers. Known for his remarkable rope tricks, Roberts’ performance will be a crowd-pleaser. Guests will also enjoy live music and a plated dinner while members of the Pocahontas Club, dressed in traditional Cherokee attire, add to the event’s authenticity and charm.

The evening will be a visual and cultural feast, with displays honoring the founding families of the Pocahontas Club and a video presentation from the Claremore Museum of History. Ollie Starr emphasized the importance of honoring the founding families while looking ahead, stating, “We’re embracing our families and bringing them full circle as we move into the future.” These tributes, alongside commemorative gifts for corporate donors, ensure that the Gala is not just a celebration of the past but a bridge to the future. With a predicted turnout of 400 guests, it promises to be a night of elegance, reflection, and forward-looking optimism.

Hat’s Off to Will: A Birthday Celebration

The festivities continue on November 2 with the “Hat’s Off to Will” event at 10:00 AM at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum in Claremore. This event is sponsored in part by the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts and is a time-honored birthday celebration and wreath-laying ceremony honors the memory of Will Rogers, who was once just an honorary member but became a devoted participant in the Pocahontas Club’s activities.

Guests will gather in the museum’s rotunda to hear the Pocahontas Club’s affirmation of their identity and purpose, a moving testament to the club’s enduring commitment to their heritage. The ceremony will feature a guest speaker, followed by a performance by Jana Jae, a renowned fiddler, ensuring a lively and engaging atmosphere.

As a nod to Will Rogers’ late wife, who was known for her stylish hats, guests are encouraged to take part in a friendly Hat Contest. Whether wearing your best hat or crafting a unique one, this contest adds a playful and personal touch to the proceedings. A traditional lunch of white beans, cornbread, and pie, for attendees will round out the morning’s events with warm hospitality and community spirit. Reflecting on carrying on the tradition, Ollie Starr said, “We were given the torch of this tradition, and we want to continue to pass down that legacy.”

The Will Rogers Days Parade: A Festive Finale

At 3:00 PM on November 2, downtown Claremore will come alive with the Will Rogers Days Parade, a vibrant celebration marking what would have been Rogers’ 145th birthday. The Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club will proudly serve as parade marshals, leading a procession that celebrates Rogers’ enduring influence.

Will Roberts will once again pay tribute to Rogers with a performance of his iconic trick roping, embodying the spirit and charisma that made Will Rogers a household name. The parade, with its theme “Rogers for President,” will be televised on RSUTV, ensuring that the excitement reaches a wide audience. Registration for the parade is free, and awards will be given, encouraging broad participation from the community.

Following the parade, the festivities will continue at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum with a birthday party featuring free cake and activities. The museum, a treasure trove of Will Rogers memorabilia, offers a fitting backdrop to this celebration of a man whose values and wit continue to inspire generations.

A Weekend of Culture and Community

Throughout the weekend, the Claremore Museum of History will contribute to the celebration by kicking off Native American Month with their Arts & Crafts Show. This expanded event, set to take place in Gazebo Park, will showcase the talents of more artists and crafters than ever before. The show, running from Friday through Sunday, will culminate with the unveiling of a new Pocahontas Club Exhibit, further enriching the cultural tapestry of the weekend.

As the community comes together to celebrate Will Rogers Days, these events offer not just a remembrance of the past but a commitment to the future. They embody the spirit of Rogers himself—optimistic, inclusive, and deeply connected to his Cherokee roots. Whether through the elegance of the Pocahontas Spirit Gala, the reverence of the wreath-laying ceremony, or the joy of the parade, Will Rogers Days 2024 promises to be a celebration to remember.

Thank you to the Cherokee Nation for their sponsorship and support. For information on Pocahontas Spirit sponsorship or buying your table or ticket contact Ollie Starr at 918.760.7499