Centennial Festivities Conclude With River Parade, Ball

Saturday, November 17th 2007, 8:33 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- As Oklahoma's 101st year begins, the celebration of the state's centennial concludes with a river parade in the state's largest city and a gala ball in its original capital.

The fourth annual Devon Energy River Parade, which was held earlier than usual this year so that it could be a part of the state's centennial festivities, went off tonight on the Oklahoma River.

Meanwhile, in Guthrie, a re-creation of the inaugural ball of Oklahoma's first governor, Charles N. Haskell, is scheduled for Saturday evening at the Scottish Rite Masonic Temple. Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry is scheduled to attend.

One highlight of the boat parade was the christening ceremony, held near the Chesapeake Boathouse, for a 65-foot-long cruiser. The Devon Discovery is the first of three passenger boats that eventually will cruise along the river just south of downtown Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma became a state 100 years ago Friday.