The 50-foot Norwegian spruce arriving by semi-truck to Will Rogers Downs
CLAREMORE, Okla. – Straight from North Pole Xmas Trees in New Hampshire, a 50-foot fresh cut Christmas tree is arriving by semi-truck to Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs on Nov. 30.
The casino is celebrating by hosting a family-friendly tree lighting spectacular at 7 p.m. on Dec. 4, complete with music from the Cherokee National Youth Choir, a manger-themed petting zoo, free hot chocolate and free holiday cookies.
“If you’ve seen the Christmas tree at Macy’s, ours is bigger,” said David Stewart, CEO of Cherokee Nation Entertainment, which operates Cherokee Casinos and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. “We wanted to make sure our Christmas tree was visible for all to see, not only our guests, but those driving by on Highway 20. It will definitely draw attention and create even more holiday buzz at Will Rogers Downs.”
The Christmas tree measures 50 feet high by 25 feet wide. It will be located in front of the casino on the racetrack apron.
“This is definitely one of the larger trees you can get,” said Illan Kessler of North Pole Xmas Trees. “Tractor trailers are generally 53 feet long, so a 50-foot Christmas tree is as big as they can haul.”
“Our company services large and small corporations all over the world. Some of our more recognizable clientele include the World Bank, the Wynn Las Vegas, MGM Grand, Harvard University, MIT and the City of New Orleans, just to name a few.”
In addition to more than 3,000 holiday lights, the public is encouraged to bring an ornament to adorn the tree. The outdoor tree will stay lit from 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. every evening until Jan. 2.
Other holiday events at Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs include Deck the Halls, a Christmas tree decorating contest by local nonprofit and volunteer organizations and businesses, Dec. 5 – 19; free holiday gift wrapping Dec. 2 – 23; and the Claremore Chamber of Commerce Santa cash drawing on Dec. 19.
Cherokee Casino Will Rogers Downs is located three miles east of Claremore on Highway 20. For more information, visit www.cherokeestarrewards.com, or call (918) 283-8800.