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The 2008 Oklahoma Regatta Festival marks the fifth anniversary of the Oklahoma City University’s Head of the Oklahoma. This unique tradition combines the beauty and camaraderie of rowing and the adrenaline-fueled intensity of sprint racing in a thrilling three-day festival. The Festival runs Oct 3–5 with the OCU Head of the Oklahoma Oct 4–5 in Regatta Park, downtown Oklahoma City.

The OCU Head of the Oklahoma is one of the nation’s top rowing regattas, blending the sport’s time honored traditions with innovative and exciting new features. Rowing News ˆ awarded the “Event of the Year” title to the 2007 Oklahoma Centennial Regatta Festival and declared the regatta was “boldly going where few races have gone before.”

Athletes will compete in 2.5 mile “Head of the Oklahoma” head races and intense 500 meter super sprints. The OCU Head of the Oklahoma was the first regatta in the United States to feature night racing in 2006. And when the sun goes down, stadium lights will once again illuminate the river in the 500 meter OG&E NightSprints creating an electrifying atmosphere for competitors and spectators.

The Oklahoma Regatta Festival isn’t just for athletes. This event has become one of Oklahoma’s premier attractions for family fun. The festival will feature exciting exhibits, action-packed activities in an energetic mix of live entertainment, wine tasting, an arts festival, children’s activities and the Olympic experience.

What better way to celebrate all things blue than by the newly rejuvenated Oklahoma River. Athletes and coaches from around the nation will join Oklahoma’s movers and shakers for a truly memorable celebration Friday, October 3 at the annual blū VIP Party. Proceeds from the evening benefit youth rowing on the Oklahoma River. After blū, the Corporate Rowing Challenge gives participants from around the Oklahoma business community some fierce but friendly competition with a 500 meter race to the finish as part of the OG&E NightSprints.