Will Rogers & Wiley Post Fly-In set for Aug. 15

A fly-in at the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch is set for Aug. 15, the 80th anniversary of the “crash heard around the world,” when both Will Rogers and Wiley Post died in an Alaska plane crash in 1935. Cherokee Nation Businesses is sponsoring the event.

That day and the lives of Rogers and Post are remembered each year on the Oologah ranch where Will Rogers was born. Usually a Sunday event, it was changed to Saturday to reflect the anniversary of the deaths.

Born in Oolagah, Indian Territory, on Nov. 4, 1879, William Penn Adair Rogers was son to a prominent Cherokee senator, judge and cattleman.

Airports across the country have been invited to join in a special moment of remembrance at 10 a.m. CST at their respective airports to honor those who have lost their lives in small aircraft accidents.

At that same time, a short program at the Will Rogers Birthplace Ranch airstrip will pay tribute to the lives of Rogers and Post.

RSU Radio will live stream the tribute on 91.3 FM and on their website www.rsuradio.com.

The popular duo of Lester Lurk and Joe Bacon, aka “Will and Wiley,” will land about 9 a.m.

The fly-in provides an opportunity for the public to get a close-up look at airplanes and meet the pilots. 

Storyteller Robert Lewis also will be sharing traditional Cherokee stories. There will be antique cars, inflatables and games for children and food concessions. Ample parking is provided with rides to the viewing area.

Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. For more information, visit www.willrogers.com.