Planning a 100-Year Bash
On November 16, 1907, Oklahoma became the 46th star on the American flag. Nearly a century later, it has grown into a state many love to call home.
As 2007 approaches, Edmond is preparing to celebrate one hundred years of statehood. For months our Edmond Centennial Commission has been preparing for the commemorative celebration.
The Edmond Centennial Commission, made up of 15 members, creates and implements projects and activities, which promote Edmond’s part in the history of Oklahoma. They work in coordination with the State of Oklahoma’s Centennial Celebration Committee. Marilyn Kreidler, Edmond Centennial Commission’s chairperson, says everything they have planned will be a special way to honor Oklahoma’s past and embrace its future.
The commission had a float in the LibertyFest parade, which won first place in the civic/non profit category.
“Our parade float subcommittee, headed up by Dan O’Neil did a great job of creating a float that was educational and also found a way to involve some of our public school students from John Ross Elementary,” said Kreidler. She felt the float was a great public way to herald the upcoming celebration.
At the top of the celebration list is a plan to add a four-faced Centennial Clock to the downtown area at the corner of 2nd and Broadway, in place of the fox statue. It will serve as a long-time reminder of Edmond’s mark on Oklahoma history.
Two pedestrian bridges have been approved with design and funding to be determined. One will be built by the City of Edmond near the Festival Market Place and the other will be built and funded by the University and will stretch over 2nd Street near UCO.
Also, a statue created by Mary Lou Gresham, along with a centennial time capsule, will be placed in the new plaza at the Festival Market Place. Personalized centennial bricks, which cost $35, will be used as a walkway. Each 4” X 8” brick may include up to 4 lines of print and can be ordered online at www.edmondcentennial.com.
Another Centennial project approved by the city is the Centennial Groves, which calls for a planting of trees and shrubs along I-35 at Edmond’s exits. This project will create a natural or aesthetic interest and will be appreciated for many years to come as the trees and shrubs grow.
Route 66 markers, street stamps, and special signage for historical locations will be placed at various locations throughout Edmond. They will be a way to commemorate the historical route for motorists as they drive through Oklahoma.
For additional city beautification, an arboretum, with a variety of special plants, will be located on the south side of Bickham-Rudkin Park, near 33rd Street and Boulevard. This outdoor display of cultivated nature is destined to become a favorite spot for all those with horticultural interests.
And we certainly don’t want to overlook plans for a proper birthday party! As we bring in 2007, a New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration will welcome the centennial year. The Gala will be held at the University of Central Oklahoma Ballroom.
“It will definitely be a night to remember because Edmond is bringing out its best,” said Kreidler. “We will have two bands, one big band orchestra and the other a rock band for the later night party. Tickets will go on sale in September, so write it on your calendars because space will be limited.”
Each ticket sells for $100 and will include entertainment, a three-course meal, wine, and champagne toasts.
“That is a pretty good deal for New Year’s Eve,” she said. Sponsorships are also available for $2000 per table. If interested, call Marilyn Kreidler at 348-0100.
“We want to thank KFOR TV, the University of Central Oklahoma and Barnes and Nobles for their participation as gala sponsors,” Kreidler said.
If you would like to volunteer to help with any of the centennial projects, contact the commission by calling 359-4569.
If your organization is interested in a presentation concerning the Edmond Centennial Commission and its projects, call 340-2821 to schedule a date. Your event or project will be placed on the website calendar of events.
