You're Doing Fine, Oklahoma!

One hundred years ago today, Oklahoma became a state. Ceremonies and celebrations yesterday and today mark the event. The "Centennial Spectacular" will be staged tonight at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City, where the state's musical stars and others will entertain. On Saturday, Devon Energy hosts the Centennial River Parade on the Oklahoma River in downtown Oklahoma City. Other events are being held across the state.

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Fallin Notes Centennial On House Floor

Congresswoman Mary Fallin spoke today on the House floor about the Oklahoma Centennial, noting that the state's 100th birthday occurs tomorrow, and U. S. Senators Tom Coburn and Jim Inhofe noted the event in the Senate.

Fallin recounted Oklahoma's history and praised the people of Oklahoma for their strong character and accomplishments.

"Tomorrow, the state of Oklahoma will celebrate its centennial anniversary,” Fallin said. "Today, I come to you on the House floor to commemorate and honor our state's rich history. Most of all, I am here to honor the people of Oklahoma, our greatest strength, whose hard work and pioneer spirit have written a truly unique chapter in American history.”

The two senators announced the passage of their resolution (S.Res.377) honoring the centennial.

Oklahoma became the 46th state on November 16, 1907. A legislative ceremonial special session is being held this afternoon in Guthrie, the state's first capital. A parade is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. tomorrow in Guthrie and a concert will be held tomorrow night in Oklahoma City.

"Oklahoma has always been defined by the adventurous nature of the men and women who settled there; and although we are a young state, our legacy is significant,” Fallin said. "Oklahoma has gone from Indian Territory to land runs to a state on the cutting edge of American agriculture and energy production. Each portion of our history has left a unique imprint on the culture of our state and the nation.

"Today, 100 years after Oklahoma achieved statehood, we have much to offer: a tremendous quality of life, a work ethic second to none and a pioneer spirit that is just as much alive as it was a century ago,” Fallin said.

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White House Ceremony Notes Centennial

Today, an Oklahoma delegation was hosted by The White House in celebration of Oklahoma's Centennial. A proclamation signed by President Bush in honor of Oklahoma's Centennial was presented on his behalf. Blake Wade, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Centennial Commission, served as master of ceremonies and Mark A. Stansberry served as event chairman. Congressman Tom Cole, Frank Lucas, and Congresswoman Mary Fallin made remarks. Staff members were present from all of Oklahoma's Congressional Delegation.

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Centennial Celebration Tickets Available

To better accommodate Oklahomans interested in attending The Oklahoma RedHawks Statehood Fireworks Spectacular presented by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission and Bricktown Association, the RedHawks will make tickets to the free event available at the box office beginning tomorrow morning, November 2nd, the groups announced today.

"The response following our announcement to make the simulcast and firework spectacular available free to the public was exceptional," said Scott Pruitt, RedHawks minority owner. "We want people across the state to join us for the grand finale of the centennial celebration."

The Oklahoma RedHawks and the Oklahoma Centennial Commission announced last month that the sold out November 16th Oklahoma Centennial Spectacular concert series will be made available free to public through a partnership between the Centennial Commission and the Oklahoma RedHawks. The collaboration will also bring forth additional entertainment as well as the official centennial fireworks show.

The Oklahoma RedHawks Statehood Fireworks Spectacular presented by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission and Bricktown Association will take place November 16th at AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. Admission is free, but a ticket is required. The Sweet Adelines will open the evening entertainment at the ballpark with a pre-show at 6:30 p.m. and the simulcast of the sold out Oklahoma Centennial Spectacular concert taking place at the Ford Center will begin at 7:00 p.m. Following the simulcast, at approximately 9:00 p.m., four Oklahoma-based performers will take stage along third base. The line-up includes Oklahoma Centennial Rodeo Opry, Destan Owens, Horseshoe Road, and Bryan White. Following the conclusion of the performances, at approximately 10:30 p.m., the Oklahoma RedHawks Statehood Fireworks Spectacular will begin from centerfield.

"We are proud to partner with the RedHawks as they open their doors for all of Oklahoma to experience the all-star line up at the Ford Center, as well as, highlight other talented artists from Oklahoma and host the much anticipated fireworks show," said Lee Allan Smith, chairman of centennial projects and events.

Tickets will be available beginning Friday, November 2nd through Friday, November 16th from 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. at the RedHawks ticket office located on the southwest plaza of AT&T Bricktown Ballpark. A maximum of six tickets will be available per individual. The event is also made possible through the support of KWTV News 9 and The Oklahoman.

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Channel 4 Televises Centennial Parade Today

The Oklahoma Centennial Parade in downtown Oklahoma City steps off at 2 p.m. and will be televised on KFOR-TV, Channel 4. Norman native James Garner will be the grand marshall of the parade. Best known for his roles in television's "Maverick" and "Rockford Files," Garner was born on April 7th, 1928 in Norman as James Baumgarner. His grandfather was a former Cleveland County Election Board secretary.

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RedHawks, Centennial Commission Plan Event

The Oklahoma RedHawks and Oklahoma Centennial Commission will hold a joint news conference at the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark Thursday, September 20th to announce details of the November 16th Oklahoma RedHawks Statehood Fireworks Spectacular presented by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission and Bricktown Association.

Scott Pruitt, RedHawks managing general partner, will be joined by Blake Wade, Oklahoma Centennial Commission executive director and Lee Allan Smith, Oklahoma Centennial Commission chairman.

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