Copyright © 2005 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from the Cherokee Nation, OK
Copyright © 2005 CNO
CLAREMORE, OKLAHOMA – A steady stream of gleaming, silver, bullet-shaped recreational vehicles has invaded Claremore for a rally April 4-12.Will Rogers Downs will host a rally for owners of Airstreams, perhaps the most recognizable and popular travel trailers in the world. Organizers expect about 400 people and 200 Airstreams to attend the rally that will benefit Rogers County Youth Services.
"We wanted to have the rally in Oklahoma this year because we haven't had it there in a while, and the site allows our members to visit beautiful northeastern Oklahoma," said Evan Evans, who is organizing the event, known as the Region 9 Wally Byam Caravan Club International Rally.
The club, named after the founder of the Airstream company, Wally Byam, was formed in 1955 with 39 charter members. Today, the WBCCI is one of the largest trailer organizations in the world with nearly 10,000 members. WBCCI has 144 units, which are organized into 12 regions.
An opening ceremony is set for 7 p.m., Thursday, April 7. During the rally, some Airstream owners will allow visitors to tour their trailers during an open house 1-3 p.m., Sunday, April 10. Organizers expect the event to draw Airstreams dating from the late 1940s as well as recent models. WBCCI members are extending an invitation to all non-WBCCI Airstream owners to attend the rally. Contact Evans, phone: 469-371-8520 (cell) or 972-424-3145 for registration and event information.
Will Rogers Downs, the largest recreational vehicle park in Oklahoma, is the ideal host for the event, offering 450 full hook-up rigs, and a separate clubhouse for RV guests. Cherokee Nation Enterprises purchased Will Rogers Downs in March 2004 and is renovating and expanding the facility. CNE expects to hire 100 employees at WRD in the coming year. In the coming months, CNE will place 250 new electronic games at the racetrack to complement the expanded live horse racing. The facility will also offer simulcast racing.
WRD encompasses 236 acres and is located three miles east of Claremore just off the Will Rogers Expressway on Hwy. 20. The racetrack itself, rebuilt in 2001, is a mile long. WRD also has a half-mile long training track, 13 barns, consisting of 440 livestock stalls; a covered, open-air grandstand that will seat 2,700; a fine dining area that will seat 440 people, with a panoramic view of the racetrack and a nearby lake; a 60,000 sq. ft. grandstand building that was renovated in 1998; a 32,000 sq. ft. exposition building; and indoor and outdoor arenas. For more information or to book an event at WRD call Ali Aguilar, phone: 918-384-7648.
| Related Cherokee Nation contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |