November 17, 1907. Statehood. Oklahoma changed from territory to state, and a century later, we will spend this year celebrating the transition. The Centennial Committee has planned festivals, concerts, events, salutes, receptions, restorations, re-enactments, and parties to celebrate.

November 16-18—The Kick-Off

Tulsa was named the official host city for the 2006 kick-off activities and it’s the place to be in November. Jeanie McCain Edney, Deputy Director of the Centennial Committee, says “The Tulsa kick-off is the beginning of the Centennial year in which we are inviting Oklahomans to get reacquainted with our wonderful state.”

There will be concerts, fireworks, a parade, and two simultaneous festivals—RiverFest and Best Fest. RiverFest takes the celebration to the water at the Tulsa River Park. Families will enjoy demonstrations by the Tulsa Rowing Club, kayakers, and skateboarders. The festival highlights the arts and crafts of Oklahoma with local artists, wines, music, and other cultural activities (most are free). In connection with RiverFest is Best Fest, on the River Parks West Bank. Best Fest is family–friendly and will showcase Made in Oklahoma products. In addition to free food samples and shopping for all, there will be a kids’ zone. RiverFest and Best Fest will run Friday 3-6pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm.

Billed as “The Parade of the Century,” the kick-off parade will begin at 8am, Saturday, November 18. Horses, cars, bands, and floats will travel along the riverside area and end at the Best Fest venue. Fireworks will be held at the 96th Street Bridge November 16 and the at 21st Street Bridge November 17—watch them both from the Best Fest venue. And plan to be downtown on the evening of November 18, when the fireworks will move from rooftop to rooftop in a choreographed display while historic images from Oklahoma’s past will be projected onto the sides of the skyscrapers. For details on these Tulsa events, see www.OklahomaCentennialTulsa.com.

Especially for Kids

The Tulsa Global Alliance will recreate Kids’ World November 9-12 in Expo Square, IPE Building Upper Level. The mission of Kids’ World is “To promote understanding and peace by creating an inspiring, entertaining, and educational international children’s event which increases tolerance and appreciation of all cultures.” Each child will receive a KW passport and will use everyday items like clocks and maps to explore far away cultures. As a Centennial event, this year Kids’ World will help children track international connections to famous Oklahomans and Oklahoma history. Hours are Thursday 9am-5pm; Friday and Saturday, 9am-8pm; and Sunday, noon-5pm. Admission is $3 for children 12 and under and $4 for adults. Prices include the Expo surcharge. For more information visit www.TulsaGlobalAlliance.org

Special Exhibits in November

When most people think of Oklahoma wildlife they think of buffalo. The Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum (TulsaZoo.org) will celebrate Oklahoma’s Centennial by featuring American bison in an exhibit and in a documentary film. There will also be a special tour of educational rooms that feature Oklahoma’s unique plants and wildlife. The zoo is open 9am-5pm daily. Admission is $6 for adults, and $3 for children ages 3-11, 2 and under free.

Have you ever heard of the Flying Farmers of Oklahoma? Learn about the history of aviation in Oklahoma at the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium. Special exhibits this month include the oil industry, aviation, and a tribute to women’s work on the airplane production lines during the World Wars. The new planetarium will present a program featuring Oklahoma’s night sky as it would have appeared 100 years ago. The museum is located at 3624 N 74th East Avenue and is open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 1-5pm (closed Monday). Tickets are available for either the Air and Space Museum or the Planetarium—a combo ticket covers both—visit www.TulsaAirAndSpaceMuseum.com for prices.

The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art, 2021 E 71st Street, offers a special exhibit, “From Shtetl to the Sooner State: Celebrating Oklahoma’s Jewish Heritage” November 17-April 15. The exhibit highlights events that brought Jewish people to Oklahoma. The museum is open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm and Sunday 1-5pm. Admission is $5.50 for adults, $4.50 for seniors, $3 for students. Visit www.JewishMuseum.net for more information.

The Centennial Committee has organized over 400 festivals and events for the year, so grab one of the new state maps and explore Oklahoma!

Pam Washington is the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Central Oklahoma. She and her husband Mike have been married for six years and have traveled Oklahoma with their blended family of five children.