[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 35 (Wednesday, March 9, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        EASTERN WASHINGTON RECOGNIZES CITY OF OMAK'S CENTENNIAL

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                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 9, 2011

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of 
the 100th birthday of the City of Omak--a wonderful community in 
Eastern Washington which I have the privilege to represent in Congress.
  On February 11, 1911, the City of Omak was officially incorporated, 
and over the next century, this city would grow to be the largest in 
Okanogan County. To be sure, there are cities and towns across 
Washington State which have a remarkably rich history. But Omak--best 
known as the ``Home of the Omak Stampede'' and the world famous suicide 
race--has an especially rich character, reinforced by a hardy people 
living at the foot of the Okanogan Highlands.
  The residents of Omak have already marked the centennial with a 
``Chronicles of the Okanogan'' book release. And in the next few 
months, the Omak Centennial Committee will be organizing more special 
festivities including a ``Paint the Town'' interactive art event, the 
showing of the ``Paint the Town'' artwork, an all-class reunion, and a 
Centennial-themed Twilight Christmas Parade.
  On this Centennial, we should all reflect on the hard work and 
dedication of the pioneering citizens who founded Omak and have helped 
sustain it for over 100 years.
  Today, I thank and congratulate all of the organizers, volunteers, 
and residents for helping to mark this important milestone in the 
community's history.
  In particular, I want to thank Mayor Cindy Gagne, City Administrator 
Ralph Malone, The Omak Centennial Committee--including the Committee 
Chair Corina Radford and Treasurer Debbie Lampe--and the event 
sponsors: Havillah Road Printing, RockWall Cellars, the Omak Chamber of 
Commerce, and The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle. Special thanks should 
also go to the Okanogan County Society and Heatherdale's Frame Shop.
  Because of them--and many others--the future of Omak is in good 
hands.

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