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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Third Annual RiverFest Celebrates 20th Anniversary of USS Oklahoma City Submarine
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (May 1, 2008) - The Oklahoma RiverFest, presented by Devon Energy and Chesapeake Energy, will take place June 6-8 at Regatta Park located on the Oklahoma River.
This year’s event will pay special tribute to the United States Navy and will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Commissioning of the USS Oklahoma City Submarine. Navy interactive exhibits, a Navy band and former crewmembers from the USS Oklahoma City Submarine will be on hand for the celebration. The third annual Oklahoma RiverFest serves as the official kickoff of Navy Week in Oklahoma City.
“We are honored to have the U.S. Navy as part of RiverFest again this year,” said Mike McAuliffe, event chairman. “We have 1,200 sailors stationed at the Navy Wing at Tinker Air Force Base. This event gives all Oklahomans a chance to show their appreciation to the men and women who serve the Navy and the other armed forces.”
Besides launching Oklahoma City Navy Week, the three-day festival will feature the wimgo Dragon Boat Team Challenge, the RiverRide bicycling event, Devon Energy River Cruises, the Riverwind Casino RiverShow with jet ski and water ski performances, Red Earth RiverFest RiverRun, Lamar KidsPlay inflatable park, OGE Energy Corp Kayaks & Paddle Boats, Chesapeake Boathouse tours, rowing demonstrations and many other attractions.
“The Oklahoma River provides a perfect setting for this free family event,” said Ron Norick, chairman of the Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority. “With plans in place for the new boathouse row, the completion of the Native American Cultural Center and the three new Devon Energy River Cruisers providing a transportation link along the seven-mile river, RiverFest has the potential to become one of Oklahoma’s major outdoor festivals.”
The highlight of RiverFest is the increasingly popular Dragon Boat Team Challenge. Introduced two years ago at RiverFest, the friendly competition features 10 paddlers rowing colorful boats with hand-carved dragonheads to the beat of an on-board drum. Companies and individuals can sponsor a Dragon Boat Team for the Saturday, June 7 competition.
The Oklahoma River Ride is a 10-mile and 16-mile family friendly ride on the Oklahoma River trails as well as a 30-mile bicycle tour to northeast Oklahoma County. All cycling events will begin and end at Regatta Park. Participants can register for the cycling events at Wheeler Dealer Bicycles located at 2729 NW 50th St. or by calling 405-947-6260.
”The Oklahoma River has become a unique source of pride for our state,” said Larry Nichols, Devon’s chairman and chief executive officer. “We are excited to support this event to provide Oklahomans and tourists an opportunity to witness the revitalization of the river and experience the many things it has to offer.”
Community organizations that will benefit from the 2008 Chesapeake Energy~Devon Energy Oklahoma RiverFest include the Armed Forces Emergency Services, a program of the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma, the Oklahoma River Foundation and the Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation.
The Oklahoma RiverFest at Regatta Park will be open Saturday, June 7 and on Sunday, June 8, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Regatta Park is located east of Bricktown on Lincoln Boulevard and the Oklahoma River.
Thanks to the Oklahoma RiverFest corporate sponsors including Devon Energy and Chesapeake Energy, admission, parking and entertainment are free. Other major sponsors include Sandridge Energy, The City of Oklahoma City, Doctor On Call, Lamar Outdoor, OGE Energy Corp, Oklahoma City Riverfront Redevelopment Authority, The Oklahoman, Riverwind Casino and Renda Broadcasting.
The RiverFest Launch Party takes place on Friday, June 6 at Regatta Park. Reservations for “Rhythm and Ribs on the River” are $45 per person. Contact Oklahoma RiverFest at 405.602.1531 to make reservations.
For more information about the Third Annual Oklahoma RiverFest visit www.OklahomaRiverfest.com.
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