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For Immediate Release:

July 21, 2010

Vinita’s Calf Fry Cook-Off & Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo Overflowing with Family Activities

          Two great Oklahoma events combine once again to offer days filled with amazing events August 24-28 in Vinita.

           That’s right, the 74th Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo and the 31st Annual World’s Largest Calf Fry and Cook-Off once again comes together to promise family fun with entertainment, specialty acts, a world-famous rodeo, softball tournament, cowboy games, crafts and vendors and a free concert.

           “Last year was the first year that the two events were combined,” said B.J. Mooney, executive director of the Vinita Area Chamber of Commerce. “The combination and sharing the same dates and resources made everything bigger and better, and we look forward to an even greater turnout this year.”
            The Craig County Fair Grounds and the American Legion Rodeo Grounds are the sites for the various activities, according to Mooney.

           In addition, the Rodeo Parade meanders throughout Vinita on Historic Rt. 66 on Wednesday, the 25th, starting at 11 a.m. Following the parade, All Settlers Day at Cowboy Junction is the place to hang your hat for more fun including a band, door prizes and refreshments.

           The 74th Annual Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo runs from August 24th -28th, while the Calf Fry and Cook-Off takes place on Saturday, the 28th.

            “This is the premier calf fry event in the entire state,” said Mooney, “and several teams compete each year for top honors and the distinction of being the winner of the World’s Largest Calf Fry Festival and Cook-Off.”

            The event includes inflatables, arts & crafts, vendor booths, softball tournament, cook-off competition, live entertainment, cowboy games and more. During the day, two amazing Red-Dirt bands—Jason Savory and 2 Steps Back—perform.

            Calf-Fry sponsors include the City of Vinita, Wal-Mart, GRDA, Hospice of Owasso, KITO, Green Country Ford, C & L Supply, Oklahoma State Bank, KAMO Power, First National Bank, Craig General Hospital, and Turner and Associates PLC.

            The always anticipated Annual Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo is one of the top rodeos in the Southwest region of the nation, according to Mooney. The event is sponsored by the American Legion Post #40.

           Having begun in 1935, the annual rodeo is one of the biggest and best in the nation. Over the years, Vinita’s American Legion Post 40 has spared no expense in making sure the rodeo attracts the top cowboy champions in the world who converge on Vinita to compete for thousands in cash prizes.           

           Applications and more detailed information are available by contacting the Vinita Area Chamber of Commerce at 918.256.7133 or www.willrogersmemorialrodeo.com or www.bigcountryweekend.com
             

Green Country Marketing Assn. is one of 11 multi-county organizations that work with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, the Oklahoma Travel Industry Assn. and the other 10 multi-county associations to promote the state tourism, a $6.1 billion industry. The Vinita Chamber of Commerce is a member of Green Country.

 
By Jeanette Swindell, Public Relations Consultant, Green Country Marketing Assn.                  
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