Senate Honors Oklahoma Celtic Heritage Association

The state Senate on Monday honored the efforts of the Oklahoma Heritage Association, and declared June 16 and 17, 2007, as “Oklahoma Celtic Music and Heritage Festival Weekend” in Stillwater.

Sen. Mike Morgan welcomed the group, which included bagpipers and flag-bearers displaying the flags of Celtic nations, to the Senate Chamber. Morgan authored Senate Concurrent Resolution 20 to commend the efforts of the Association to celebrate the Oklahoma Centennial with an exploration of Celtic art and history.

“The Celtic Heritage Association has done a fine job in putting together a festival that showcases Celtic history and examines Oklahoma’s Celtic heritage,” said Morgan, D-Stillwater. “The festival will be a great event for the Stillwater area and I expect it to become a destination for people from all over the state. I encourage everyone who is able to attend the festival and enjoy some great music and art.”

Held on the weekend of June 16 and 17 at the Payne County Expo Center, the festival presents an exploration of the music, history and dance of the Celtic nations. The Tulsa Irish American Club, the Tulsa Gaelic Studies Club and the United Scottish Clans of Oklahoma have joined with the Oklahoma Celtic Heritage Association to contribute to the festival.

Roger Graham of the Oklahoma Celtic Heritage Association said it was an honor for the group to be invited to the Senate Chamber.

“There is a strong Celtic presence in Oklahoma and we have many talented artists and musicians,” said Graham. “I expect the festival to continue growing. It’s is a tremendous honor to be invited here today.”

After receiving approval from the Senate, the Concurrent Resolution was passed by the House. Representative Terry Ingmire, co-author of the resolution, thanked the Association for their efforts in promoting a festival with educational and artistic value.

“The festival is not only a place where we can go to enjoy great music, but we can learn about Celtic history and the descendants of Celtic people who settled throughout Oklahoma,” said Ingmire, R-Stillwater. “The Oklahoma Celtic Heritage Association deserves a great deal of credit for all their efforts to put this event together.”