The American Morgan Horse Association (AMHA) is joining in Oklahoma’s 100th Centennial Celebration with a special flag ceremony on Friday, October 12, at 7 p.m. at the Oklahoma City Fairgrounds. The salute takes place in the Fairgrounds Main Coliseum during the annual Grand National & World Championship Morgan Horse Show. Admission is free to the ceremony.

AMHA youth and their Morgan horses will participate in the flag presentation representing individual states, Canada, England and Austria honoring the state’s historical events and celebrating Oklahoma’s 100th year of statehood.

Recognized as America’s first original breed, the Morgan horse has been part of America’s equine heritage for more than 200 years. This year also marks a record-breaking number of competitors; more than 1,250 horses from 45 states, Canada, Austria and England are registered to compete. The event draws more than 50,000 people to Oklahoma City area.

“Oklahoma has been home to our Morgan Grand National and World Championship Horse Show for 34 years,” said Julie Broadway, AMHA Executive Director. “It is with great honor that we participate in the Centennial celebration with the flag ceremony and presentation.”

The world-class horse competition has something for everyone in the family to enjoy. You don’t have to be an equine expert to enjoy the horse show. Classes vary from English and Western pleasure riding, dressage, carriage driving, reining, jumping and parade horse.

“The competition is a great spectator event,” said 2007 Show Chair Tony Lee. “The newly renovated show arena offers spectators easy access to show arenas, specialty vendors and food concessions. It’s a fun day for everyone and a chance to see the top competitors from all over the world.”

Competition began Saturday, October 6, with three sessions daily, and runs through Saturday, October 13. Sessions run 9 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. daily. Admission is free throughout the week. There is a nominal charge for weekend performances during which tickets can be purchased at the door.

For more information about the show, visit www.morgangrandnational.com or www.okstatefairpark.com. For more information about the Morgan Horse, visit www.morganhorse.com.