Funding gaps causing headaches for Oklahoma Centennial planners

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Funding gaps caused by the inaction of policy-makers are causing headaches for planners of Oklahoma's 100th birthday bash in 2007. <br/><br/>Blake Wade, Oklahoma Centennial Commission

Saturday, July 30th 2005, 9:10 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ Funding gaps caused by the inaction of policy-makers are causing headaches for planners of Oklahoma's 100th birthday bash in 2007.

Blake Wade, Oklahoma Centennial Commission executive director, says contracts must be signed soon for Statehood Day galas in Tulsa next year and in Oklahoma City on November 16th, 2007. That's when Oklahoma officially turns 100.

Money's needed for all kinds of expenses, like buying uniforms for a 150-member all-star high school band that will perform in the Tournament of Roses Parade in 2007.

A centennial exposition planned at the State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City is another project needing upfront funding.

Governor Henry has added centennial funding to his special session order. Republican House Speaker Todd Hiett has resisted the special session.