Oklahoma To Be Featured At Famous Festival

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The 100-year-story of Oklahoma will be showcased at the Epcot Center's 12th international food and wine festival in Florida, Governor Brad Henry and Walt Disney World officials

Tuesday, July 31st 2007, 5:30 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ The 100-year-story of Oklahoma will be showcased at the Epcot Center's 12th international food and wine festival in Florida, Governor Brad Henry and Walt Disney World officials announced Tuesday.

An estimated 1.5 million people will visit the festival, Sept. 28-Nov. 11, giving Oklahoma unparalleled exposure in the year of its centennial, Henry said.

``We intend to put on a great show for the rest of the world,'' the chief executive said.

Jim MacPhee, Epcot vice president, said Oklahoma will be the first state with such an exhibit featured at the festival, which draws visitors from around the world.

Trailblazers in Oklahoma's history will be depicted in 100 stories displayed on three ``walls of wonder'' 12 feet high and 21 feet long. Interactive exhibits will help tell the stories of personalities that helped shape the state's history.

MacPhee said Disney is all about great storytelling and Oklahoma's story, from the Trail of Tears on, is rich in events and cultural diversity.

``It's a great story for the millions of guests who will be visiting us,'' he said.

Henry said the exhibit will cost about $1.2 million. He said the Oklahoma Centennial Commission is kicking in $500,000 and the rest of the project was financed by private donations.

The governor said Oklahoma's exposure should pay dividends to the state through increased tourism and economic development.

He said the event draws many CEOs of companies from across the United States and other countries.

``This is an exciting opportunity to showcase the natural beauty and amazing resources of our state, including our talented people,'' said Natalie Shirley, secretary of commerce and tourism.

The festival allows Epcot guests to sample wines and food from around the world and also features paintings from artists from China, Italy, France and other countries.