Wills Country Christmas in Oologah is Free to All

Carriage rides will be one of many free activities at Will’s Country Christmas.

If 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 Ranch in Oologah to partake in their annual 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 crafts, and music. The only activity that is not free is the hayride, which is $5. All proceeds from the hayride benefits the Roper volunteer group, which is responsible for putting on all the memorial’s events. “I love the hayride, personally,” Jones said. “They 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 craft vendors will be stationed around the birthplace. “Come spend your evening out there and enjoy hot chocolate and kettle 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 Saturday, Dec. 3 from 5 to 9 p.m. Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch is located at 9501 E 380 Road in Oologah.

From left, Andy Hogan and Bart Taylor are just two of many Roper volunteers.