A couple of weeks ago, many Bristowans and Route 66 tourists were amazed by the resurgence of their own childlike wonder and inquisitive joy upon encountering two muledrawn carriages along Main Street. One group even filmed a video of their experience aboard a carriage, documenting their adventures. Interests piqued, dozens of adventurers boarded the carriages last weekend.
Upon arrival at Route 66’s tallest Christmas tree at 8th Avenue and Main Street, all visitors are greeted by the friendly, cheery team members of Sweet Dreams Carriage Rides. Prospective riders gather round the tree, excitedly awaiting their turns to climb aboard the carriages with each paying the intentionally affordable price of $5 to ride. Children under the age of six ride for free with their caregivers. The rides’ affordability allows friends and families to ride together, making new friends with fellow riders along the way and with carriage owners and drivers Steve Lamberson and Ryan McDougal.
Lamberson speaks with the slow, southern drawl of a man who enjoys the simplicities of a peaceful life. Also serving as the pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Slick, he and Mc-Dougal minimally charge riders so that all can afford the opportunities of experiencing and making memories of peaceful and joyful adventures with them. He said “We just want people to enjoy life. Everybody needs to enjoy life whether you’ve got money or not. We don’t see how a family can afford to do things like carriage rides at higher prices. We’re not makin’ money doin’ it. We do it for the enjoyment of others.”
With generosity of heart, Lamberson hopes as many people as possible will join them for a ride this Christmas season. For him, “there’s nothin’ more relaxin’ than the clompin’ of the mules’ feet on the pavement and the squeakin’ of the wagon. It offers a peace for us to enjoy visitin’ with each other. We love visitin’ with people and seein’ the excitement and joy on kids’ faces and the older people. Some people have never ridden in a carriage before let alone one bein’ pulled by mules… brings a little joy to their lives and a little peace in a world of chaos.”
Until at least December 23, Lamberson and McDougal can be found driving their carriages full of new friends each Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. until ridership ceases. Lamberson considers it a blessing to share his peaceful joy with others, saying “The Lord’s blessed me so much that there’s no reason for me to be greedy. I enjoy doin’ it, and that’s all that matters. The Good Lord will take care of me. The more we’re blessed, the more we should bless others, so come on out and ride. We’d love to meet you.”
To learn more or contact Sweet Dreams Carriage Rides online, follow their Facebook page of the same name. They also offer rides at weddings, funerals, and other events. As for that video the group of adventurers made, it is viewable on their Facebook page, Coleman Television Limited, and that of the Bristow Historical Society.
Regardless of anything else you do this holiday season, please make the time for a relaxing and peaceful carriage ride, taking in the wonder and shared blessings along the way.