California Ranch Jubilee
replays days of old

Will Rogers grew up on a ranch often the scene of fun family activities of roping, horseback ridng, music and working the cattle. When he built his ranch in California, he provided that same setting for his three children. Saturday, July 30, the W ill Rogers Ranch Jubilee at Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades, about 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, will be reminiscent of gatherings of friends and family at the ranch in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Oologah ranch of Will’s youth. Riding, roping and music dots the program which begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. Admission is free. Hosts are the Will Rogers Cooperative Association, The Pacific Palisadian-Post and KZLA Country FM. Claremore Will Rogers Museums Director Michelle Lefebvre-Carter and Joe Carter, retired director, will join Rogers family members for the occasion at the ranch, which is undergoing renovation Featured attractions will be performances and demonstrations by the Santa Monica Police Department Mounted Patrol, blacksmith, trick riders and ropers and dressage. Live music will be by the Drew Davis Band. Chuck Rogers, son of the late Jimmy Rogers and grandson of Will Rogers, and his niece Jennifer Rogers Etcheverry, have been involved at the California ranch in the multi-million dollar renovation. Jennifer’s father, Kem, represents the family on the Will Rogers Memorial Commission. June Lockhart will deliver the welcome. She is remembered for her roles as the mother in “Lassie” and as Dr. Janet Craig in “Petticoat Junction.” She has appeared in a number of television and movie productions, many of them westerns, and most recently in parts in “Beverly Hills 90210,” “Roseann” and “Full House.” The many activities for the day will include dummy roping (Will had a dummy horned calf in his ranch home living room), pony and rides, petting zoo and horse rentals.