Fall 2006

Partners in Tourism: Culture and Commerce is a coalition of cultural service organizations, the travel industry, and federal agencies that provides a forum for collaborative research, education, promotion and advocacy with the common goal of advancing the role of culture and heritage in the travel and tourism industry.

American Bus Association

Announces Top 100 Events in North America

for 2007

Selection Process

The American Bus Association has released is 25th Anniversary listing of the Top 100 Events in the U.S. and Canada. The 2007 edition includes fairs, festivals, parades, exhibits, theater and shows selected from hundreds of events nominated by state and provincial tourism officials and convention and visitor associations. Selections are made by a panel of U.S. and Canadian travel professionals based on the events’ broad appeal, accessibility to large groups arriving by motorcoach and other criteria. Judging takes place in May and June each year.

For more information on nominating an event, visit www.buses.org                    

Oklahoma Centennial

Top 100 Events are not ranked, but ABA did highlight the Oklahoma Centennial as the Top U.S. Event for 2007. Oklahoma celebrates its 100th anniversary of statehood on November 16, 2007, and all across the 46th state, communities and organizations are creating monuments, fountains, parks or cultural facilities that reflect local or state history, while others are restoring historical sites and structures. Most are planning special commemorations or are enhancing traditional festivals and annual events. Libraries, museums, historical societies, cultural venues and schools are also preparing for 2007. Oklahoma's rich and diverse heritage will be highlighted with American Indian, African American, Latino, Asian American and European American customs, traditions and artifacts on display throughout the year.

The Centennial year kicks off November 9-19, 2006 in Tulsa with concerts, expos, exhibits, a parade, fireworks and laser displays. Statehood Day, November 16, 2007, will begin with historical reenactments in Guthrie, the state's first capitol. Activities will include the presidential proclamation of statehood, the inauguration of the first state governor, the ceremonial wedding between the two territories, and an inaugural parade. The day will conclude with festivities in the capitol city, Oklahoma City, including The Spectacular, which will feature live entertainment by internationally recognized Oklahoma performers.

For more information on activities planned throughout the year, visit www.oklahomacentennial.com

Jamestown 1607

Also recognized on the Top 100 Event list is the commemoration of the settling of Jamestown, Virginia in 1607 as the first permanent English settlement in North America. Jamestown 2007, an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, is working with local, state, and national groups to stage a memorable commemoration of America’s 400th Anniversary. Jamestown 2007 is developing an 18-month series of national and international Signature Events to commemorate various aspects of the Jamestown story.

The Premier Signature Event will be America’s Anniversary Weekend, a three-day event centered at the Jamestown sites on May 11-13, 2007. Coliseum, will be an opportunity to experience the similarities and differences among American Indian nations.

Information on events throughout the commemoration is available at www.Americas400thAnniversary.com

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