I started to post this in http://www.okctalk.com/okc-metro-are...mpetition.html since it's in the same vein, but decided it deserved its own thread: http://www.oklahomaregatta.com/

2006 Head of the Oklahoma Centennial Regatta

September 30th - October 1st, 2006
Regatta Park in Downtown Oklahoma City

The Head of the Oklahoma is an innovative Centennial event that combines beauty and pageantry of the sport of rowing and the adrenaline-fueled intensity of sprint racing in a unique two-day festival. The Head of the Oklahoma will be held on September 30 – October 1 and will feature several exciting new components and crews from across the nation. The featured event for the 2006 Head of the Oklahoma is the introduction of night racing on the Oklahoma River. The Head of the Oklahoma will be the first regatta in the United States to feature night racing. Four 100 foot light arms will extend over the Oklahoma River sprint course to create a dramatic new environment for racing.
Is that cool or what? Continuing ...

The Head of the Oklahoma will also feature:

  • a new art show overlooking the Oklahoma River
  • expanded children’s activity area with rides and exhibits
  • “The Regatta Experience” educational entrance
  • a picnic area overlooking the finish line
  • wine tasting
  • premium seating along the sprint course and two VIP areas with river shuttles
  • an expansive expo tent with commemorative gifts and delicious food from popular local eateries
  • The Regatta Walk family fitness activity with special prizes for all finishers
  • a kayaking and interactive area for guests
  • two stages featuring live music and dance performances
  • roving entertainers
  • a evening concert
  • ample free parking and shuttles
  • tours of the beautiful new $3.5 million Chesapeake Boathouse
A pretty cool 3-D Tour of the Race Course is here: http://www.oklahomaregatta.com/3Dtour.aspx - it really doesn't show the river and is more like a computer game, but it's fun to watch ... puts you in the boat of one of the competitors.

Here are a couple of images I've put together from the regatta's website - gals and guys from the OCU team, I'm sure: