VALUES November 2022

IN OOLOGAH IS FREE TO ALL

f you’re on a budget this Christmas season, but still want to enjoy the festivities with family or friends, then head on out to the Will Rogers Birthplace R anch in Oologah to partake in their annu al event Will’s Country Christmas. “We’ve had this event for six or seven years now,” Executive Director Tad Jones said. “And it has had a good, steady audience. It’s really just a family get-together . . . it’s a unique experience and a lot of fun.”

Activities that can be enjoyed at this event are pictures with Santa in the room Will Rogers was born in, storytelling, 19th century games, Wild West shootouts, lighted carriage rides, train rides, kids cra s, and music. e only activity that is not free is the hayride, which is $5. All proceeds from the hayride bene ts the Roper volunteer group, which is responsible for putting on all the memorial’s events. “I love the hayride, personally,” Jones said. “ ey do a really good job putting that together. We have a Will Rogers interpreter that talks about

his life and you get to be involved in the hayride.”

In addition to all these fun activities, food trucks and cra vendors will be stationed around the birthplace. “Come spend your evening out there and enjoy hot chocolate and kett le corn, and relax with the family,” Jones said.

Sponsors who have made this event possible are the Ingersoll family, of Inola, and the Cherokee Nation. Will’s Country Christmas will take place both Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturd , Dec. 3 from 5 to 9 p

Rog pla

Will Rog Birthp Ranch is located at 9501 E 380 Road in Oologah.

h is d a Ro gah to 9 p.m. ers ce at ad in .

d Saturday, Dec. 3

Improve the life and look of your roof with metal roofing solutions from Community Builders. Our 26-Gauge coated steel roofing can stand up to extreme weather and won’t support moss, mildew, or fungus growth.

Community Builders’ metal roofing is lightweight, so there is no need to re-engineer existing structures to support the weight of metal roofing. Plus, our metal roofing is insulated and can go right over your existing asphalt roof, saving you energy dollars.

Best of all, metal roofing lasts much longer than asphalt. With an indefinite lifespan and our 40 year finish warranty, a metal roof from Community Builders could last the lifetime of your home.

You can even save money on your homeowner’s insurance!

Lower Your Utility Bills

Older homes can be made more energy e cient with smart upgrades that result in lower utility bills, and added bene ts of increasing the value, comfort and beauty of your home. Investing in your home’s exterior, windows, attic, and roof are all environmentally-friendly improvements with energy-saving payo s

Millennials (in 2022 ages 25 and 40 years) are one of the largest home buying segments today. ey are economical and are ecological-minded purchasers whose buying decisions rest on energy e ciency to save money and leave a lower carbon footprint. Community Builders, Inc. is a local team who provides answers to your home energy e ciency needs.

Owner Greg Wolter started Community Builders, Inc. in his bedroom in the early 1980s. By 1990, they had moved into a building, and nearly every year since then, have seen steady growth in sales. Starting with siding, the company has expanded over the years to its now all-inclusive specialty home improvement services including windows, roo ng, bathrooms, sunrooms, insulation, gutters and doors.

“My passion for this company is two-fold. First, I want to see the people that work here improve their lives… We constantly talk about how we can become better human beings. And then, we want to make sure we take care of our customers and that they get a good value,” Wolter said.

Windows, doors, and insulation are three areas where minor change can make a major impact. In fact, Community

Builders, Inc. has helped c reduce their utility costs b by upgrading windows and insula eir energy e cient p EnviroView replacemen

Energy Barrier radian

Ridge composite siding, and insula gauge steel metal roo ey o er seven styles o each are installed wit and airtight seal, giving them heig ability to keep hot air o summer, and in during the win doors are durable, high quali performance. Also installed w t to make an airtigh Community Builders, I and reduce your energ energy-barrier material in their insula which re ects heat ener merely slowing down i Wolter said, “ ink o sponge. Eventually, a spo and can’t soak anything else in. I is the same way, it blocks fo then gets full and doesn you can re ect that energy o of it, the insulation works better for a longer period of time. at’s what the energy-barrier material does.”

What do you think pollutes the most? A plane? A train? A car? Or, a house?

“Most people think it’s a car, but it’s your house,” Wolter said. “Your house pollutes the environment more than anything else. If we can improve the e ciency of a home, then we also reduce the carbon footprint, which of course

The First Choice for Superior Remodeling

value,” Wolter said, “We’re not perfect, but we are pretty darn good.”

Community Builders, Inc. has a heart for helping locally and internationally. Overseas, they’ve built a school in Peru, where they feed children every day and a chapel in ailand, where they help rescue children out of human tra cking. In addition, they help support Habitat for Humanity, as well as food banks in Bulgaria and Macedonia.

Contact Community Builders to nd out more about energy-saving options for your home.

BY AARIKA COPELAND

Get your chance to win big this holiday shopping season! Buy Broken Arrow encourages shoppers to keep it local. “ is program really bene ts our entire community,” Lindsay Cunningham said, Marketing and Communications Director at BA Chamber. “It helps support our local retailers, provides jobs, and also increases our sales tax, which in turn builds our roads and funds our critical city ser vices. So it’s really a win-win for everyone!” And to win is simple: shop local, receive tickets, enter to win cash prizes.

e campaign starts Friday, Oct. 28 and runs through Sunday Dec 11. With over 85 local businesses participating this year, there is an

opportunity everywhere to start gathering up those tickets. One lucky winner will take home the grand prize of $10,000. But others have the chance to cash in on monetary prizes of $3,000, $2,000, and “the new Small Business Giveaway of $1,000 that will come speci cally from one of Broken Arrow’s small businesses,” Cunningham, said.

e live remote event for this year’s drawing is sure to be exciting with 98.5 e Bull and 106.9 KHITS as key announcers. Drawing will be held at MattressFirm at 1552 S Lynn Lane Road, Broken Arrow on Saturday Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tickets will be drawn live on the air and the winning ticket holder will have 20 minutes to claim the money via phone or in person at MattressFirm. If not

claimed, three more drawings will take place until claimed, live on the air. e winning ticket holder will have another 20 minutes to claim. If the original number is not claimed on Saturday, Dec 17., additional numbers will be drawn starting on Monday Dec. 19. at 8 a.m. and be drawn every business day at 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. until all prizes are claimed through ursday, Dec. 22 at 5 p.m. If no one claims before Christmas, the next drawings will happen on Monday, Jan 2nd and continue until claimed as stated above

BY AARIKA COPELAND

Start the holidays o right by participating in a community favorite event—Broken Arrow Wine Walk. Register online to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Rose District to sample various wines at the ten wine stops along the way, all within easy walking distance. “Each wine stop will have two di erent samples of wine from our local wine partner ru the Cellar Door,” Lindsay Cunningham said. Marketing and Communications Director at BA Chamber. “Participants are able to taste the wine and shop with our local retailers right before the holidays.”

Attendees will enjoy multiple food stops that are sure to complement their tasty wine samples, and with live music, everyone is sure to be in the celebratory spirit. And if that doesn’t do the trick, maybe your fun Wine Walk swag bag, full of goodies from local sponsors will do it. Swag bags are limited.

Additional vendors are set to participate, so don’t call it a night just yet. Stay for the block party and enjoy all the fun downtown BA can o er. Photo/sel e stops will be set up throughout the Rose District to commemorate the event, and the man of the hour, Santa himself, will be there. With much more planned, don’t wait to register!

is event will be held on ursday Dec. 1 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

For more info, and to register, visit brokenarrowchamber.com/events ose interested can check our Facebook page for updates.

ABOVE: Photo-op with Santa during a community favorite event.

LEFT: Local businesses benefit from the BA Wine Walk event.

November 2022

Lights, Concer ts, Parade, Shop Local and more!

5K Run over 125 lighted displays and more!

Wagoner may be the best kept secret no more … it has become one of the best places for holiday fun and family traditions. e City of Wagoner is busy preparing for the holidays!

e Christmas season begins o cially the evening of November 22nd and will continue thru December 31st. e opening activities include the Tree Lighting, Costumed Characters, Santa Photos, Wagoner High School Band and Cheerleaders sharing holiday cheer Activities throughout November and December will include the nightly light and music show on S. Main and Semore Park, Christmas Parade, Winter Concerts, Twinkle

e Annual Christmas Parade will be held ursday night December 2nd at 7p. Marching bands, oats, costumed characters and of course Mr. & Mrs. Claus will make a special trip from the North Pole to Wagoner for the evening parade. is years’ theme “Santa Paws Comes to Town,” Grand Marshall will be Dr. Larry Peters, retired veterinarian. Don’t miss this family fun.

Wagoner area residents and Commercial businesses in Wagoner are encouraged to participate in lighting, yard decorations and inside tree decorating contests. Cash prizes will be awarded; sponsored by Wagoner Economic Development Authority and Ft. Gibson Lake Association.

can also S can to Win A Christmas Grand from merchants as well. It pays to shop local.

Over 125 displays and snow akes light up the night on N. & S. Hwy 69, Hwy 51 and through downtown along McQuarrie Street and on SE 15th Street. Don’t forget there is a hanging snow ake somewhere that is di erent and unique…a fun game to play with your children while touring the lighted displays.

e nightly light show has been a favorite since its inception two years ago. e Show runs nightly from 5:30p-10:30p. e shows are designed for all ages. e kiddos will love Grandy the Snowman and his singing snowmen. e show was designed by Jeremy Williams. e light show is sponsored by GRDA, Blue Sky Bank, Wooley Plumbing, WalMart, Green Countr y Lighted Displays, Wagoner Public Schools and Wagoner Public Works.

e popular winter concerts will be held December 2, 3, 9 and 10th at the Wagoner Civic Center Auditorium. Music styles will range from classic

rock, bluegrass, countr y, gospel and a special Christmas Show. e Fabulous Mid-Life Crisis Band will kick-o the concerts on December 2 followed by Bluegrass night featuring Heartland Xpress, Spring Street, Midnight Hollow and e Bazemore Family. December 9th local favorites the Cave Dwellers will perform. Saturday the 10th will feature the popular Grady Nichols. He and a full band of singers and musicians will bring Christmas magic to Wagoner. Admission is $8 for adults, children under 10 are free with an adult. Concert sponsors include: Arvest, Burger King, Taco Bueno, BancFirst, Kevin Grover GMC, Wagoner County Abstract and Stanley’s. Christmas in Wagoner is worth the quick drive to see a million and more lights and enjoy the themes of Christmas past, present and the

future. “We welcome you to Wagoner Your Christmas Destination, thank you to our sponsor partners, City workers, committee members who work tirelessly to make your holiday experience one to remember” reports Mayor AJ Jones. “We are excited to have you visit our City anytime of the Year!”

For more information and updates and details on schedules check these websites: City of Wagoner : wagonerok.org Visitor page, Wagonerinfo.com.

Robson Performing Art C enter is delighted to announce the First Annual Just BeClaus Christmas Extravaganza Event. e Robson PAC encourages the community to come by and experience what the performing arts is all about! From plays to concerts to community events, there is something for ever yone to enjoy. “ e Robson Performing Arts Center has so much to o er the students and community, but seems to be a hidden gem of Claremore,” Event Coordinator Ebony Jones said. “It occur red to me, what if we extended an invitation

to all to visit this amazing facility? us, the Just BeClause Extravaganza Event was born.”

Browse unique artisan and cra sman vendors from surrounding states, or grab a bite to eat from the various food trucks that o er a variety of vegan, vegetarian and traditional home cuisine. A silent auction will top o the two-day event with proceeds directly bene ting the performing arts center.

Come explore the fun, but also stop by the performing arts center facility to nd out about the opportunities a orded to both students and the community. Summer programs like the Imagine ACTion eater Camp o er a creative outlet for teens and children, where they learn to sing, dance, and act, but more importantly, help connect like-

minded friends who will help inspire and encourage others. “ e goal of the camp is that no child is ever not allowed to be a part of it because of economic reasons,” Ruby Quinn said, Executive Director of Robson PAC. “It’s important to me that every child gets that chance.”

For more information or to nd a vendor form, visit RPAC or email justbeclauschristmas@gmail.com for an online form.

Event will be held at Robson PAC at 101 E. Stuart Roosa in Claremore on Nov. 19 at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 20 at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Will Rogers Days in Claremore

Join the Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club as they celebra te Will’s bir thday with an amazing line-up of events on November 5, 2022.

For more than 120 years, the Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club has upheld the values, the culture and the customs of the Cherokee people.

Will Rogers Days, City of Claremore Indigenous Heritage Day and National Native American Heritage Month begins the rst Saturday of November, commemorating Will Rogers birthday (November 4, 1879).

e Pocahontas Club has been celebrating Will’s birthday since the Will Rogers Memorial Museum was opened in 1938. e Wreath Laying Ceremony will begin at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum Rotunda with a procession down to the tomb of Will Rogers. e club members will begin their ceremony dressed in their Cherokee tear dresses and shawl s around the bronze statue of Will Rogers to recite their Club Collect and place a basket of fall foliage at the foot of the statue. ere will be a program in the Will Rogers eater following the Wreath Laying Ceremony. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. will be the guest speaker and the entertainment will be Jana Jae “Queen of Fiddle”, member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and the National Fiddler Hall of Fame. Following the entertainment, you can board a tour bus for the Park & Ride Histor y Tour, stopping rst at the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum for lunch and more entertainment.

e Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club expressed special thanks and gratitude to Cherokee Nation Businesses, Visit Claremore, Oklahoma Ar ts Council and National Endowment for the Ar ts for making this event possible.

Attendees are requested to respect CD C recommended guidelines of wearing masks, washing hands thoroughly and social distancing.

Celeste Tillery and Linda Coleman, The Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club. Photograph by Jill Solomon W ise.

Food, fun, music, with a historical le gacy bus tour will be fr ee and open to the public on Nov. 5.

SCHEDULE OF EVENT S

November 5, 2022:

Meet at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, 10 a.m. Pocahontas Club Executive Director Ollie Starr explains, “ e day will be starting at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, at which we’ ll have our regular wreath laying ceremony at 10 a.m. – just like we’ve done since 1944,” Starr said. “A er that, we’ ll move inside to the Will Rogers eatre auditorium, where esteemed Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. will be the honored guest speaker.

Wear a Fanc y Hat!

Following Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr., there will be a musical tribute by the rst lady of the countr y ddle, Jana Jae, as well as the Haute Hat Contest in remembrance of Will’s wife, Betty Blake Rogers. Attendees are encouraged to join in the fun or cast their ballot. B etty was well-known for always wearing her Haute Hat.

Park & Ride “HISTORY TOUR”, 11:30 a.m.

“At 11:30 a.m., there will be a tour bus here to take people from the W.R. Memorial for a drive through Rogers State University, then stop for lunch, music and tour at the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum (at 11:45 a.m.),” she said. “Many people may not know that Mr. Davis’s (second) wife, Genevieve was a member of the Pocahontas club.”

e collection is immense, over 50,000! Davis had

Lunch, museum tour and music will be hosted at the J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum

many interests and collected relics from around the world. Firearms enthusiasts will see hand canno ns that were used in the 1300’s to a collection of saddles, bits, bridles and spurs that played signi cant roles in Oklahoma’s histor y. Expect to see the unexpected w ith so many unusual and surprising items. For example, one about Roy Clark’s music career, native American histor y, along with Claremore and Rogers County histor y. Bandits and lawmen who roamed Oklahoma Territor y are also represented at the museum, including Bill Tilgman and Wild Bill Hickock.

J.M. Davis Arms and Historical Museum Director Wayne McCombs will be welcoming guests to the world’s largest private collection of firearms. Expect the unexpected and take pleasure in amazing artifacts which date back as far back as the 1,300s and more recent history. It is located in Historic Downtown Claremore, Oklahoma on Route 66.

The Claremore Museum of History features exhibits loved by people of all ages. Some of the popular exhibits are the Lynn Riggs Art Gallery, native American artwork, Radium Town, a real Surrey, and a Legos Apollo 14 spacecraft built using 12,151 Legos!

Next stop, the Claremore Museum of History e Claremore Museum of Histor y (MoH) is a special museum where all ages are delighted with exhibits such as

(Continued to next page)

Rogers State University, photo courtesy of the university

ynn Riggs Art Galler y, and an extraordinar y native American art show

Downtown Claremore Main Street Histor y Tour

Claremore’s histor y will further be highlig hted, with the bus trip down Will Rogers Blvd. — o en referred to as Claremore Main Street — and discussion about Claremore’s esteemed past while driving-by local sites of historical signi cance, and their ties to the Cherokee Nation, culminating with a return to the Will Rogers Memorial for the nal evening of the Will Rogers Film Festival

ank You!

While the expanded activities of the day were largely due to the Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club members, they emphasized appreciation to the e orts of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum Director Tad Jones for helping coordinate the day and

p make our events extra special,” she said. “He’s always been so cordial to us, allowing us to have the wreath-laying at the Memorial. Claremore is very rich in histor y, and our museums draw the public and acknowledge the signi cance of native American histor y and the Cherokee people.”

But as the club has done in the past, the emphasis of the day will be about the Will Rogers family and the histor y and legacy of the Cherokee Nation.

About e Indian

Women’s Pocahontas Club

“In the beginning, the Pocahontas Club was very much social, but over time, it became s omething di erent, something to allow members to share knowledge, provide educational scholarships to native American students, and support many local non-pro t organizations with donations of products and ser vices,” said Pocahontas Club President

even people who live here — may not be aware of ever ything that’s in Claremore and its rich histor y. ”

e Indian Woman’s Pocahontas Club was founded in 1899 and are the caretakers of Cherokee histor y and nation from the time of statehood until they were re-established as a nation. Today, there are 215 club members across 17 states.

Recap

e Indian Women’s Pocahontas Club’s annual “Hats o to Will”

Will Rogers Birthday Tribute and Wreath L aying Ceremony will be held Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, 1720 W. Will Rogers Blvd., Claremore. All activities and events are free and open to the public.

BY CAROL PUCKETT

November, 2022: What will you be doing the rst Saturd ay this December?

e much-loved Carols & Crump ets will be held Saturd ay Dec. 3, 2022.

e Tulsa Herb S o ciety’s herbal cra fair is from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Tulsa Garden Center 2435 S outh

Peoria Ave. Admission is free.

Tulsa Herb S o ciety members have been handcra ing items that include Christmas ornaments, folding cards, dr yer balls, scrubbies, cat and dog gi s, rice bag neck warmers, bowl cozies, wreaths, planted bulbs, and many gi items perfect for teachers, neighb ors and the hard-to-b friend.

A special booth will hav greenery for home deco

Some of the herb so ciety’ p opular items are the 10 avors of herbal vinegars, and scrumptious selections of herbal jams and jellies, such as Apricot Sur pris e Jam, Peach Blush C onserve and Cranberry

Chutne y.

To satisfy a sweet tooth, THS memb ers have made White Chocolate and Strawb erry Herbal Bark candy. Hot spiced cider and cookies will be available for the shopp ers.

Over 25 other vendors w the Garden Center o erin garden items, live plants, handmade soaps, lavender and lavender i spice blends, fabric art, local h potter y, fermented food i ar t, handmade jewelry and much more.

e Snow ake Café will be open

A p or tion of the pro ceeds bene t the Tulsa Garden Center and the Woodward Park Teaching Garden. r y 0 rs, s k la w in

So ciety on Facebook.

Gleam Guard Adds New Life to Cabinetry and Woodwork

BY KATHY SMITH

Save time and money on all your cabinetr y and woodwork.

It’s shocking how much new cabinetry, interior doors and baseboards can cost, not to mention long waits for deliver y and installation. Avoid the high costs and long waits by letting Gleam Guard help you with your new kitchen and woodwork remodeling upgrades.

Takle your home renovation list before the holidays, starting with your kitchen cabinets. While cabinets’ purpose is functional, they remain a focal point of the home. Whether your cabinets are peeling, greasy or worse condition, Gleam Guard Wood Re nishing can remedy your woodwork and make it look like new again using eco-friendly, non-toxic and odorless materials. ey are an A+ Rated BBB Accredited company and o er reasonably priced and highly e ective solutions for restoring and re nishing your cabinetry and woodwork.

“We can re nish cabinets that are in really bad shape and also service cabinets that don’t need a full cabinet re nish. Some cabinetry and woodwork may just need to be refreshed and renewed. We can also clean your cabinets and give them a new, permanent nish,” says owner Tracy B ooth. “ e Gleam Guard nishes are available in matte, shiny and satin. When we apply our Gleam Guard system, it bonds to the original nish and makes the surface smooth and dr y. e process remarkably enhances wood grain and keeps it looking oiled and polished.

serious breathing problems, animals and birds to be in the house.”

eir process begins by preparing the surfaces with a thorough cleaning to remove dirt and debris and making any reparation of damaged areas. Damaged areas are treated with custom-matched stain blends. Lastly, the cabinets are protected with a coating that will keep cabinetr y and

along with those which are painted, glazed and pickled — even raised panel cabinetr y doors.

“We have customers we ser ved over 20 years ago that say their cabinets continue to look great today. It is because of our hometown people in the greater Tulsa area that we were able to expand and help

families across the countr y beautify their homes, including Kansas City, Branson, Northwest Washington and Canada,” he says.

Tracy and crew will be in and out, without interruptions or breakaways. eir work area, when nished, will look like no one was there. Gleam Guard’s amazing nish leaves your cabinets and woodwork pristine and easy to clean. A ercare is as simple as wiping with a damp cloth

Tracy says when people see the di erence Gleam Guard has made in

friend’s or relative’s homes, they are quite o en sold on the process! Even those considering new cabinets or refacing old cabinets frequently decide on Gleam Guard Wood Re nishing instead. It’s the sensible solution that makes a big di erence. Gleam Guard o en costs clients 70 percent less when compared to other options.

“I love to show people how they can save money and still have beautiful wood nishes that look like new,” says Tracy. “I would be happy to do an in-home demonstration on an existing cabinet door to give owners a glimpse of what Gleam Guard will look like in

their homes.”

Getting an estimate is free and easy. You can send Tracy photos of your cabinets and woodwork by text to (918) 231-1375, to email them send to info@gleamguard.com; or, call (918) 455-4211.

Above: Carl Parson with a pole barn under construction by Inola Portable Buildings & Pole Barns.

BY AARIKA COPELAND

More than just owers, Floral Creations in Claremore has been a trusted provider for the past 19 years of not only hand-cra ed oral arrangements, but also o ering an array of oneof-a-kind gi s for any occasion and ever y season. “Flowers are very emotional. I think it makes people feel good,” Floral Creations Owner Dawn McClain said about customers receiving oral deliveries. “But we have so much more to o er than just fresh owers. We have unique gi s [and] unique items you can’t just buy at the store.”

With the holidays approaching, it also brings Floral Creations’ traditional Open House.

Shoppers can browse the seasonal selections with

a provided refreshment in hand. “We have people come in here and say, ‘oh my gosh, I had no idea you had all of this cool stu ’,” Emily Seat said, Floral Designer at Floral Creations. Pumpkins, scarecrows and other fall decor are sure to take center stage, but don’t miss the home goods, pottery, candles, and men’s line, or the many other a ordable gi options; many made in the USA. With all the festive decor, you’re sure to want to place an order for your own oral fall centerpiece or handcra ed wreath — each created with fresh, seasonal foliage. Make sure to order in time to get your anksgiving Day table centerpiece.

And with Floral Creations providing a 20% storewide discount on non perishable items during Open

FLORAL CREATIONS

House, you can go ahead and add that extra item you were side-eyeing to your purchase. S o stop by Saturday, Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Don’t forget them during Small Business Saturday, either, which is Nov 26. With new items rotating the shelves, you’ll likely nd something special each time you visit. “We like to encourage people to come see what we’ve got, and to shop local,” McClain said.

A timeless custom, the sentiments behind oral gi ing still apply today “ ere ’ s so much meaning behind it. You’re conveying the care for the individual receiving it,” Seat said. “And for someone who has gotten to deliver them, it’s amazing to see the change in somebody. eir whole face lights up.” Flowers have the ability to communicate emotion and are a perfect expression of sympathy, love, friendship, joy, and much more. Trust Floral Creations with each beloved message.

For your convenience, you can order online at oralcreationsclaremore.com

Celebrate the holidays with unique gifts found only at Floral Creations. Start early on your Christmas decor with these adorable snowmen.

Order a seasonal centerpiece for your Thanksgiving day table.

Claremore has plenty to offer this holiday season

BY HAYLIE SMART

Rogers County residents will not want for anything when it comes to fun holiday activities to do in and around Claremore. One of the newest holiday attractions that is a must see is Claremore Lake Lights. “We’re in our second year,” Tanya Andrews said, Director of Visit Claremore. “So it’s fairly new, but it took o really well last year.”

For those unfamiliar with Claremore Lake Lights, the lake and park is decorated with Christmas lights for residents to drive through and enjoy. And the best part? It’s completely free

“We had a lot of visitors go through last year,” Andrews said. “Like people

from Catoosa, Tulsa, and Bartlesville, which was wonderful. And when you have family in for the holidays it’s ver y inexpensive. Grab a burger, go out there, and drive through.” Park and Recreation and Public Works are the departments that work hard to make this light display possible. And with their partnership with Grand River Dam Authority, they’re able to purchase additional lights for this year’s display. “ eir goal is to add new sections to it ever y year,” Andrews said.

Visitors can enjoy the light display beginning Wednesday, Nov. 23. Lights come on at 5 p.m. and go o when the park closes at 10 p.m. Lights will remain up until the rst of January. “ is is a great kick-o to the Holidays in Claremore,” Andrews said.

A brand new holiday event people of Rogers County may want to check out is 12 Nights of Lights at Oologah Lake. “You, or a business, can go in [to Hawthorne Blu Campground] free of charge and decorate one of the RV campsites,” Andrews said. e holiday light display is a free drivethru and people can enjoy the displays ever y Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in December from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A new, and not-so new, holiday tradition that’s become a Claremore favorite is the ceremonial Christmas Tree Lighting held in the parking lot of the Ne-Mar Shopping Center. “[ e Neelys] have been providing a very large Christmas tree to the community for the last 40 years,” Andrews said. “And so a few years ago we started

Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 23, visitors can drive through Claremore Lake Lights from 5 to 10 p.m.

doing a community tree lighting ceremony where we have hot cocoa, cookies, music, and pictures with Santa.” Local ministers lead the tree lighting with a prayer to bless the Christmas season, and those who want to join in the prayer can. e Neely’s, City of Claremore and United Way host the event so that residents can enjoy the festivities for free. e lighting ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. ursday, Nov. 17. And last, but certainly not least, is the longtime favorite Dickens on the Boulevard. A Vicotrian-style festival, Dickens returns to Main Street, also known as the Lilac District. e twoday event kicks o at 6 p.m. with live

entertainment, great food and family fun. A costume contest will take place at 7 p.m., the free-to-view Territorial Marshals re-enactment will be at 7:45 p.m., and the Victorian stroll and street dance will b e at 8:30 p.m. B oth horse-and-carriage rides and pictures with Santa are available for $5. For a full schedule and other free amenities available at businesses along Main Street, go to downtownclaremore.org.

RIGHT: The ceremonial Christmas Tree Lighting at the Ne-Mar Shopping Center will be Thursday, Nov. 17.

Visitors can walk through the Belvidere Mansion in November and December to see it fully decorated for Christmas.

It’s that time of year again to shop local and win big! Santa Cash is Claremore Chamber’s annual “Shop Local” initiative. When shoppers make purchases from participating stores, they receive Santa Cash tickets based on the amount of their purchase. Generally, one ticket per $10 spent. “ is year, we have 26 participating merchants,” Ashley May said, Director of Communications. “From local boutiques to big box stores and a variety of others, including banks, supermarkets, pharmacies. Santa Cash bene ts the community! Although it is a Chamber event, our organization does not bene t monetarily f rom it. We just want residents to support Claremore, especially during the busy holiday season. ”

Start earning Santa Cash beginning early November for your chance to win a $10,000 grand prize, courtesy of Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs. A secondar y prize of $2,500 from Suburban Chevrolet will also be awarded, and the third winner will receive a $2,000 prize courtesy

of Helt Heat & Air, for a total of $14,500 in giveaways!

e drawing will be held outdoors at Will Rogers Downs on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 11 a.m. Tickets will be accepted at the drawing until 10 a.m. Late tickets cannot be accepted. Winners must be present to win, and the winning ticket must be presented for veri cation, so don’t be late!

For more information visit the Chamber website at Claremore.org

Tickets can be purchased at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs, Helt Heat & Air, Suburban Chevrolet, J&J Pharmacy, RCB Bank, Solid Rock Realtors, Sooner Flooring & Design, and BancFirst, Nabatak, TTCU Claremore, e District on Main, Stanley’s, Rogers County Loan, Claremore Compounding Center, JT Septic, Speedy Lube, Spirits of 66, Stillwater Milling, Bill & Ruth’s, Reasor’s, B ennett’s Route 66 Pharmacy, Atwood’s, 10-B ox, Goodwill, and Keith Wagoner Shelter Insurance.

KEY VETERANS DAY EVENTS HOLIDAY CONCERTS & SHOWS LIGHTS OF ALL KINDS ARTS, CRAFTS & FESTIVALS CHRISTMAS EVENTS CHRISTMAS PARADES See

HOLIDAY CONCERTS & SHOWS

LIGHTS OF ALL KINDS

ARTS, CRAFTS & FESTIVALS

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KEY VETERANS DAY EVENTS

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HOLIDAY CONCERTS & SHOWS

LIGHTS OF ALL KINDS

ARTS, CRAFTS & FESTIVALS

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

CHRISTMAS PARADES

ALERT! Check with all v enues prior t o e v ent time for C OVID- 1 9 prot oc ols or canc ellations.

HOLIDAY CONCERTS & SHOWS

(continued on next page) KEY VETERANS DAY EVENTS

LIGHTS OF ALL KINDS

ARTS, CRAFTS & FESTIVALS

CHRISTMAS EVENTS CHRISTMAS PARADES

(continued from previous page) KEY VETERANS DAY EVENTS

HOLIDAY CONCERTS & SHOWS

LIGHTS OF ALL KINDS

ARTS, CRAFTS & FESTIVALS

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

CHRISTMAS PARADES

KEY VETERANS DAY EVENTS

HOLIDAY CONCERTS & SHOWS

LIGHTS OF ALL KINDS

ARTS, CRAFTS & FESTIVALS

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

CHRISTMAS PARADES