Lester Lurk, a farmer from Ste. Genevieve, Missouri was visiting a venue in Branson a number of years ago and stuck up a conversation with a couple seated next to him. After a few remarks the lady said, “You know you could get up on that stage right now and everybody would think you are Will Rogers.” And as they say —- the rest is history.
Lester Lurk (aka Will Rogers) and Joe Bacon (aka Wiley Post) will be joining other dignitaries at the ‘89er Celebration in Guthrie America. “Will and Wiley” are shown here at the Claremore Airport “Fly in”
two years ago.
Lester, aka Will Rogers has teamed up with his good friend, Joe Bacon, aka Wiley Post, over the years to be special guests at various “fly ins” around the country and have been certified by the Will Rogers Museum in Claremore, Oklahoma. Lester, who grew up a shy kid who never liked school, has embraced the persona of Mr. Rogers and has given “Will” presentations throughout the Midwest.
His sidekick, Joe Bacon, is a licensed pilot with flying time while serving in Vietnam and as the personal pilot for Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. Lester says, “I’m just a simple farmer with the fortunate resemblance to one of the most loved and most quoted Oklahoman’s in history.”
Will Rogers (Lester Lurk) and Wiley Post (Joe Bacon) will be engaged in many of the ‘89er Celebration venues on Friday and Saturday, April 17 and 18th. Steve Gentling, ‘89er Committee Chairman, noted “We are thrilled to have two men who were significant contributors to the history of the Great State of Oklahoma represented at the ‘89er Celebration, a significant event in the history of our state. “Will” and “ Wiley” be available for pictures at the various activities on Friday and Saturday.”
Friday is a big day in Celebration Week with the Carnival in full gear, all the 80+ food and craft vendors set up and ready to serve, the Rotary sponsored FREE “Gassers, Geezers, and Hawgs “ classic car show also on Oklahoma Avenue and “The Best “ FREE street dance starting at 7PM also on Oklahoma.
Saturday’s festivities kick off at noon with the “Largest Parade in Oklahoma” in downtown Guthrie, America. Gentling stated “This two hour event will be led by OSU President Burns Hargis and his wife Ann as the Parade Grand Marshals and will feature a ton of bands, miles of floats, horses, cars and of course the Shriners. It will be great fun!!”
Sunday the Celebration concludes with a church choir sing along, a special memorial for the Murrah bombing and a fantastic bluegrass festival featuring Byron Berline and Kyle Dillingham.
For more information look us up at www.89erdays.com or in face book under “89er days”. Gentling commented “Come join the fun, enjoy the great environment of Guthrie —– and don’t forget to wear your ‘89er Button!!”
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