Oklahomans to lead Rose Parade in 2007

Thursday, July 28th 2005, 12:06 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- An Oklahoma float, band and dancers will kick off the 118th Tournament of Roses Parade in 2007 as part of the state's centennial celebration, officials announced Thursday.

The announcement was made Thursday at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

Paul Holman, president of the 2007 event, said the Tournament of Roses is pleased to have Oklahoma launch its centennial year on Jan. 1 by leading the Rose Parade.

The parade, he said, "is more than century-old festival of flowers and music. It's a magical New Year's celebration, unequaled anywhere in the world."

Besides the traditional floral float, Oklahoma's participation in the New Year's Day event will include dancers from Oklahoma City University and an all-star centennial band, made up of 150 academic high school musicians.

"We're proud that Oklahoma will become a part of this enduring icon of American spirit and beautiful pageantry," said Lee Allen Smith, chairman of centennial projects.

The parade will start at 10 AM CST and will be broadcast live on eight network television and cable channels.

"National attention on Oklahoma's upcoming centennial continues to grow and we are grateful to our sponsors for these opportunities," said Blake Wade, executive director of the commission.