Chattanooga to celebrate their
"First One Hundred Years"
Saturday, October 13th is the date set for the
Chattanooga Centennial Celebration. The festivities marking the 100th birthday
of the small southwest Oklahoma town will kick off with a parade at 1 p.m. An
impressive lineup of floats and several riding clubs, including:
- The Lawton Rangers
- The Sheriff's Department
- Southwest Street Rods
- The Shriners
- The Camp Ruben Rivers Buffalo Soldiers
- The 77th Field Artillery Band
And more, will delight spectators of all ages.
According to Linda Harper, Celebration Chairperson,
the date of October 13 was chosen to celebrate so it would not overlap with
neighboring communities that share similar centennial dates, and also in hopes
of milder temperatures for outdoor activities.
Governor Frank Keating has signed a proclamation in
recognition of Chattanooga's coming of age.
A full afternoon of events are scheduled to attract
everyone from old codgers to whippersnappers.
A crowd pleasing favorite is the Outhouse Race. The
sure-to-be hilarious Outhouse Race begins with brightly painted outhouses that
are mounted on wheels. The outhouse team consists of a sitter which is
chauffeured by two pushers. In one smooth move the race is on, the outhouse is
maneuvered through an obstacle course to designated stations with the sitter
perched inside. At each station the sitter must perform pre-assigned duties and
speed across the finish line. The fastest time - wins. It's great entertainment.
The courageous pioneers that came to the vast plains were a special breed of
people. They mustered up unwavering determination to confront their daily dose
of hardships.
We invite you to step back in time as you stroll
through the farm implement display and observe the marked progress 100 years can
make. Watch on as a blacksmith demonstrates old traditions.
More fun and entertainment is promised with the
blindfolded couples tractor driving contest, children's games, historical
displays, a mechanical bull for the brave at heart, poster contests, an all day
bazaar and more.
Everyone is invited to bring a big appetite and enjoy
a free meal from 5-7 p.m. located at Goodknight Park. Sometime near dark-thirty
fireworks will brighten the sky with a burst of beautiful colors.
The evening will wrap up with a good ole country, boot
scootin' dance. "We are very excited about our celebration."
Linda Harper stated, "It is the brave pioneers
that settled here so many years ago that have our deepest admiration. It was
through their dreams that these early homesteaders envisioned the possibilities
of this untamed land, their endurance to face and overcome the never ending
hardships, and their dedication and desire to make this a great community to
live in, which resulted in our fine town of Chattanooga.
We invite and encourage everyone to come celebrate
this great occasion with us."
