******* SELECTED COMING ATTRACTIONS *******

APRIL 29 thru MAY 2 ~Thursday at 7, Friday & Saturday at 8, Sunday at 2 ~ BALLET OKLAHOMA presents A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, At The Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Auditorium on the Oklahoma City University campus. Music: Felix Mendelssohn • Choreography: Bryan Pitts ~ Shakespeare's delightful tale of mischievous fairies and meddling humans, "Lord what fools these mortals be". Call 405.848.TOES for tickets, and try the Ballet Valet parking. Website = http://www.okc-cityhall.org/CivicCenter/ and click on Ballet Oklahoma.

MAY 1, Saturday ~ all day ~ ONION FRIED BURGER DAY FESTIVAL, the annual Downtown EL RENO Street Festival under colorful party tents (from Marianne's of course). They'll be cooking (AND SERVING) the WORLD'S LARGEST ONION FRIED HAMBURGER; it weighs over 650 pounds and is 8 ½ feet in diameter. Also featured are a classic car show, arts festival, live entertainment, cycle show, crafts, games, clowns, and much more. Call 405.262.8888 for Festival information, and check this webpage for more events in historic El Reno. http://www.oktourism.com/cities/elreno_cal.htm "You've got to try the Onion-Burger!"

MAY 1, Saturday ~ Starts early! ~ WALKAMERICA 1999 ~ the MARCH of DIMES annual fundraising event, over 130 corporations throughout the metro area participated last year and raised over $250,000. If you'd like to join the campaign for healthier babies and be part of the March of Dimes crusade to prevent birth defects, please call Susie Sambrookes, WalkAmerica Director at 405.848.4631. Participation by "Your Company" would be welcomed and recognized. Volunteers are needed. More information is available at the March of Dimes website, http://www.modimes.org/

MAY 7, Friday Nite ~ FLIGHT FOR SIGHT '99, Prevent Blindness Oklahoma Fundraiser at Downtown Airport, 1702 South Western. Live music by Jive Talkin', plus food and beverages from 15 of Oklahoma City's best restaurants; tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door; for more information call 405.848.7123 ~ Come early, Stay late! ~

MAY 8, Saturday ~ REBA MCENTIRE PRO CELEBRITY RODEO, at the LAZY E ARENA, GUTHRIE, 4 miles East of I-35 on Seward Road - exit 151. For more information and tickets call 800.595.7433 ~ visit the Lazy E Website at ~ http://www.lazye.com/arena/arena.html

MAY 9, Sunday is MOTHER'S DAY ~ (Just a reminder) ~ For a great Mother's Day luncheon, RESERVE a table at BELLINI'S RISTORANTE & GRILL, Fine Italian-American dining in a casually elegant Mediterranean atmosphere. Three locations: Bellini's Waterford, 6305 Waterford Blvd, (NW. 63rd & Penn), 405.848.1065 ~ Bellini's Edmond, 801 E.Danforth, 405.348.8033 ~ Bellini's Norman, 700 Ed Noble Pkwy., 405.329.9256 ~ or Mom might also enjoy ~ TOMMY'S Italian-American Grill, 12252 N. May Ave., 405.755.8111 ......And after lunch enjoy Mother's Day in the Tropics at the Myriad Botanical Gardens, 405.397.3995

MAY 19 thru 22 ~ Wednesday until Saturday ~ NATIONAL REINING HORSE DERBY at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, call 405.946.7400 for more event information or visit the official website and print the 1999 NRHA Derby Schedule from the following url http://www.nrha.com/newpage1.htm The Annual Awards Banquet will be on the evening of May 9th. Contestants will complete for substantial cash prizes.

MAY 22 & 23, Saturday and Sunday ~ The 31st Annual CANTERBURY ARTS FESTIVAL WEEKEND is a two day event sponsored by St. Mary's Episcopal Church, select Edmond businesses, and the University of Central Oklahoma. Pleasant surroundings, good food, excellent music and entertainment make the festival a popular event. This event is held on the campus of the University of Central Oklahoma, adjacent to Broncho Lake. The Edmond Canterbury Run starts at 9:00 Saturday morning. Visit the Website for more info, http://www.canterburyarts.org/

MAY 28, 29 & 30 ~ Friday, Saturday and Sunday ~ (Memorial Day Weekend) ~ GUTHRIE JAZZ BANJO FESTIVAL, enjoy the toe-tapping music of jazz banjo bands from all over the country. The festival features Dixie-Land, jazz, 20's and 30's swing and selections from the Gay 90's at over 100 concerts in 8 locations throughout old downtown GUTHRIE. For more information call any of these numbers, 800.652.2656, 405.282.1948, 405.260.0529 ~ see historic Guthrie at http://www.oktourism.com/cities/Guthrie_.htm

MAY 29 & 30 ~ Saturday and Sunday ~ (Memorial Day Weekend) ~ CHUCK WAGON GATHERING AND CHILDREN'S COWBOY FESTIVAL, at the NATIONAL COWBOY HALL OF FAME, 1700 NE 63rd Street, Oklahoma City. An annual outdoor event featuring authentic ranch chuck wagon cooks from across the West preparing mouth-watering food for all to taste. Activities include a variety of hands-on experiences for the little buckaroos ranging from rope making to horseback riding. Live entertainment, stage coach rides and much more will be enjoyed by all. This is the Cowboy Hall of Fame's largest public event. Great family fun! MORE information on the website, http://www.cowboyhalloffame.org/ ~ Or call 405.478.2250.

MAY 29, 30 & 31 ~ Saturday, Sunday and Monday ~ 10am-8pm (Memorial Day Weekend) PASEO ARTS FESTIVAL - Seventy five artists will have their fine art on display in TENTS along the tree lined Paseo and you can visit the studios of more than 30 resident artists. The festival is held in the historic Paseo District, a little Spanish-style village that has become an impressively talented artist's colony. The children's art tent will provide free hands-on-fun in fiber, paper and clay art. Call 405.525.2688 for more information or check the website http://www.okclive.com/paseo/artsfestival99.htm

MARIANNE'S RENTALS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS is serving OKLAHOMA with the newest, best maintained, largest selection of party rental equipment and TENTS available in this area. We offer STATEWIDE DELIVERY in our own trucks. We can even prepare COMPUTERIZED 3D LAYOUTS, when we plan large events for your organization or corporation. Visit our webpage, http://welcome.to/mariannes

******* JUNE AND BEYOND *******

JUNE 4 & 5 ~ Friday 5 ‘til 11pm, Saturday 10am ‘til 11pm ~ STOCKYARDS STAMPEDE FESTIVAL - Oklahoma City Stockyards. Highlights of this Western heritage festival include three stages featuring country and western entertainment, plenty of food and drink including chili & BBQ cook-offs; they'll also have western & Native American arts & crafts, historic reenactment, bullriding events, children's activities & much more. Call 405.235.7267 for more information. Location - Agnew & Exchange Avenue.

JUNE 5 ~ Saturday ~ RED EARTH AUCTION, includes cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and dinner. Original works of art by America's most renowned Native American artists highlight this auction to benefit Red Earth Inc., held at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, call 405.427.5228 for ticket information.

JUNE 8 thru 19 ~ Begins Tuesday - Ends Saturday ~ FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, performed at the lyric Theatre, tells the tale of Tevye, Golde and their 3 marriage bound daughters. Audiences will thrill to this timeless story of love, hope and courage. Enjoy classic performances of Sunrise...Sunset, Matchmaker and To Life. The Lyric Theatre is your ticket to Broadway in the Heartland! Call 405.810.9300 for seating selection assistance. Theatre Address=2501 N. Blackwelder. More information plus the complete 1999 schedule is on the website, http://www.lyrictheatreokc.com/Tickets.html JUNE 9 thru 13, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday ~ OKLAHOMA QUARTER HORSE ASSOCIATION REDBUD SPECTACULAR ~ at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, call 405.348.4035 for additional information.

JUNE 11, 12 & 13 ~ Friday, Saturday and Sunday ~ RED EARTH FESTIVAL - World's largest Native American event of its kind. The 13th annual Red Earth Festival features an art show, Native American dance competition, parade, storytelling, children's activities, music, authentic food and many other events. Native American tribes from throughout North America will gather to share the richness and diversity of their heritage. You and your family are invited to join the festivities, don't miss the magnificent GRAND ENTRY at noon Friday. MYRIAD Convention Center, Oklahoma City. CALL 405.427.5228 for additional information or check the website, http://www.redearth.org/

JUNE 17 until JULY 11, Thursday through Sunday evenings at 8 PM ~ SHAKESPEARE in the Park, ROMEO AND JULIET ~ Perhaps Will Shakespeare's best known play. A young couple's youthful impetuousness is at fatal odds with their families' traditions of prejudice and hate. Romeo and Juliet's bright love does, in the end, make peace in fair Verona, but at a terrible cost to all concerned. Presented at HAFER PARK in EDMOND, for ticket information call 405.340.1222 or 405.341.4344, E-mail OKSHAKESPR@aol.com

JUNE 22 thru JULY 3 ~ Nightly, The LYRIC Theatre becomes CLUB STARDUST. Reminisce with the Big Band sound and the Rhythm of Swing with this fast-paced journey through the music of the 1940's. Swing is back...better than ever! Tickets available, call 405.810.9300 ~ Website = http://www.lyrictheatreokc.com

JUNE 25, 26 & 27 ~ Friday, Saturday and Sunday ~ BRICKTOWN BLUES & BBQ FESTIVAL - Bricktown, Oklahoma City, call 405.236.4143 for more information. They'll have lots of TENTS and plenty of shade. Website ~ http://www.okclive.com/bricktown/

JUNE 28 thru July 10, begins Monday, ends Saturday ~ 52nd NATIONAL APPALOOSA HORSE SHOW at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds, call 206.682.5578 or e-mail show@appaloosa.com for more information.

JULY 3 & 4 ~ Saturday and Sunday ~ BRICKTOWN 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION - Bricktown, Oklahoma City, call 405.236.4143 for event information. They'll have lots of TENTS and plenty of shade. Website ~ http://www.okclive.com/bricktown/

JULY 6 thru 17 ~ beginning Tuesday ~ The renowned Broadway musical 42ND STREET will be presented nightly at the LYRIC THEATRE, Oklahoma City. This singing and tap dancing show will transport audiences back to a time when Broadway was young and scores of entertainers-to-be flocked to the Great White Way to ply their trade and vie for "that one big shot". Call 405.810.9300 for ticket information. Website= http://www.lyrictheatreokc.com

JULY 7 thru 11 ~ Begins Wednesday, "RUNS" ‘til Sunday ~ SOUTHWEST STREET ROD NATIONALS, Over 1,400 pre-1941 street rods will thunder through the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Call 405.948.6700 for more information.

JULY 20 thru JULY 31 ~ a classic Broadway hit performed nightly ~ GUYS AND DOLLS, at the LYRIC Theatre, Oklahoma City. This production has comedy abundant and love in the air as Nathan, Adelaide, Sky and Sarah, with a wayward bunch of small time gamblers, take you on their journey from the sewers of Manhattan to the nightclubs of Havana singing songs like, I've Never Been In Love Before, Luck Be A Lady and Bushel And A Peck. Call 405.810.9300 for advance ticket information. http://www.lyrictheatreokc.com

JULY 23, 24 & 25 ~Friday, Saturday, Sunday ~ DEEP DEUCE JAZZ FESTIVAL, honoring native Oklahoma jazz musician Charlie Christian. Downtown Oklahoma City. Call 405.424.2552 for festival information.

JULY 25 thru 31 ~ Begins Sunday - Ends Saturday ~ INTERNATIONAL ARABIAN HORSE SHOW - Exciting and colorful competition featuring over 800 horses. Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Call 303.696.4500 for advance information.

JULY 30 & 31 ~ Friday and Saturday ~ ‘99 BRICKTOWN REGGAEFEST - Bricktown, Oklahoma City, call 405.236.4143 for more information. Website ~ http://www.okclive.com/bricktown/

AUGUST 2 thru 7, Begins Monday, Ends Saturday ~ AMERICAN INDIAN EXPOSITION! 68th Annual Presentation of this Native American owned and operated event. The Exposition provides an annual opportunity for native and non-native communities to share the rich heritage, traditions, and spirituality of Native America, as well as to mingle and enjoy the spirit of friendship! More information, events schedules and photos are available on the official website, plus an invitation to attend the 1999 Exposition in historic ANADARKO, Oklahoma. http://www.indianexpo.org/

AUGUST 13, 14 & 15 ~ Friday, Saturday, Sunday ~ BALLOONFEST '99, Planning is already underway to make this the best and BIGGEST ever in OKLAHOMA CITY (BalloonFest '98 raised $50,000 for the Oklahoma Food Bank). Our 1999 BalloonFest location will be WILEY POST AIRPORT, with more hot air balloons, special attractions, food and entertainment than ever before. Watch for more information in the following monthly issues of Oklahoma Party & Event Preview. The BalloonFest ‘99 website is coming soon at http://www.balloonfest.com

AUGUST 27, 28 & 29 ~ Friday, Saturday, Sunday ~ GERMANFEST ~ OKLAHOMA CITY in Bricktown, call 405.236.4143 for more information about this festival featuring great food, drink and entertainment. They'll have lots of TENTS and plenty of shade. Website ~ http://www.okclive.com/bricktown/

******* SEASON TICKETS *******

CONGRATULATIONS to our own OKLAHOMA CITY BLAZERS and coach Doug Sauter, the 1999 Central Hockey League, Western Division CHAMPIONS. The Blazers swept the San Antonio Iguanas in four straight games and now play for the CENTRAL HOCKEY LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP. The Blazers will face-off with the Eastern Division Champs, either the Columbus Cottonmouths or the Huntsville Channel Cats, in a Best of Seven series. Game 1 is set for 7:30 p.m., Saturday, MAY 1st at the Myriad Convention Center. Check the website for championship series ticket information, ~ http://www.okcblazers.com/ or call 405.235.7825. Hear the games on WKY-AM 930.

OKLAHOMA REDHAWKS BASEBALL ~ This is only the second season in the new stadium at South Mickey Mantle Drive and Reno Ave. Plan now to see the REDHAWKS play this season, lots of great seats are still available for every home game. You may even want to rent one of the Private Suites and thrill up to 30 friends or business associates when you host a REDHAWK game party. Check the official website ~ http://www.redhawksbaseball.com ~ for ticket prices, special promotions, information on the ballpark's amenities and you can PRINT your own 1999 schedule, or call 405.218.1000 Thru April 24th the Redhawks have won 11 games, loss only 4, and lead the league.

Until June 20th, Thursdays thru Sundays only. ~ Remington Park QUARTER HORSE RACING, more information on this Website ~ http://www.debartoloracing.com or call 405.424.9000 or 1.800.456.9000 Post Times: Thursday & Friday 4:00pm, Saturday, Sunday & Memorial Day 1:15pm

1999 STATE FAIR SPEEDWAY RACING SCHEDULE and information is available at this webpage: http://oklafair.org/schedule.htm

******* EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT! *******

For live entertainment in OKLAHOMA CITY "Every Saturday Night" and the rest of the week too,... check out these websites... http://www.okclive.com/clubcal.htm & http://www.celebrityattractions.com/ & http://www.lyrictheatreokc.com

*******OKC ATTRACTION OF THE MONTH******

~ WILL ROGERS PARK ~ 36th Street and North Portland ~ 405.946.2739 Nature enthusiasts love the scenic variety of this vast 130-acre park. One of the Southwest's outstanding rose gardens, grassy slopes and fresh water pools are part of its natural beauty. The exquisite arboretum has more than 600 species of trees and plants. A lighted Tennis Center is here along with an Olympic-size swimming pool, 18-hole frisbee golf course, picnic tables, an outdoor amphitheater and a Senior Citizens Center. A great place to spend a springtime day, take along a picnic lunch.

For more OKC attractions visit this webpage ~ http://www.usachamber.com/okcchamber/attractions.htm

******* ANNOUNCEMENTS & REMINDERS *******

You'll find more Oklahoma Events on the WWW by exploring.... http://www.connectok.com

The OKLAHOMA PARTY & EVENT PREVIEW is posted online @.... http://welcome.to/okevents ~ click on the "X" in the upper right corner to display text.

MOTHER'S DAY is Sunday, May 9th. If you'll need a local or FTD® Florist try NEW LEAF FLORAL, N. Penn @ Britton Rd., Oklahoma City, 405.842.2444

Many students will be graduating from Universities and High Schools in late May and June. Shop early for cards and gifts.

You can see pictures of the beautiful EUREKA TENTS we rent by exploring our website, http://welcome.to/mariannes

The MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND will begin Saturday, May 29th, the Federal Holiday will be observed on Monday, May 31st. If you'll need wreaths or other floral decorations for your memorials, you may wish to call NEW LEAF FLORAL, 405.842.2444 or go by 9219 North Pennsylvania Place, (at Britton Road) Oklahoma City, OK 73120 and make your choices from their arrangements on display.

FATHER'S DAY is Sunday, June 20th, be sure to mail cards and gifts early.

GREAT GIFT IDEA ~ for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Birthdays, Graduations, Anniversaries, even Weddings, in fact, any gifting giving occasion; choose a BOOK online from BARNES&NOBLE®. Just scroll to the bottom and click on the BARNES&NOBLE® icon. B&N can send a new best seller, or any other currently published fiction or non-fiction book directly to ANYONE at any address, anywhere, today or on any future date, and they'll enclose YOUR personal greetings, best wishes or compliments. PLUS, you can get lots of help choosing a book by searching TOPICS, AUTHORS, TITLES or KEYWORDS on the B&N website. It's a quick and easy way to send a special and lasting gift. There's a BOOK that's just right for everyone, simply enter their favorite hobby or interest as a KEYWORD and choose from the wide selection at BARNES&NOBLE® ~ All major credit cards accepted.

The FOURTH OF JULY is on Sunday this year, Monday the 5th will be a Federal Holiday. Check our July issue for a list of OKLAHOMA fireworks displays.

If you'll need RENTAL EQUIPMENT for any HOLIDAY occasion, be sure to call MARIANNE'S early and RESERVE the things you'll be needing. We can charge your deposit on any major credit card. Often we experience a HUGE demand for special items on holiday weekends so call today. Statewide delivery is available. ~ 405.751.3100

For FREE BROCHURES about Oklahoma's museums, attractions, events, facilities and services, call the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department at 1-800-652-6552. In the Oklahoma City area, 521-2409

ANNOUNCING the 1999-2000 "GIVE YOUR REGARDS TO BROADWAY" Season:

VICTOR / VICTORIA - Nov. 2-7, 1999 ~

MAX MORATH - LIVING A RAGTIME LIFE - Jan. 18-23, 2000 ~

ANNIE - FEB. 15-20, 2000 ~

SHOW BOAT - APRIL 11-16, 2000 ~ More details in future editions.

****** ASK MARIANNE *******

We're planning a large summer wedding and would like help planning the ceremony and reception, can Marianne's assist or recommend a professional wedding planner????

ANS~ Please come to our showroom and see our sample displays, we recommend you begin planning "your day" as far in advance as possible. Our Consultants can assist with your selections, accept reservations for your choices and refer professional caters or wedding planners. A deposit is required when you reserve candelabra, arches, alters, tents, etc. We are confident we have the best and newest selection of Wedding equipment in this area, be sure you shop for the best VALUE, not just the lowest price. You should feel confident in the quality and reliability of the equipment and services you are purchasing.

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION for Marianne, send it to mkwheeler@aol.com, you'll receive a personal reply right away and, with your permission, we may use it in our next edition.

MARIANNE'S RENTALS FOR SPECIAL EVENTS is a member of ~

Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce

National Federation of Independent Business

Oklahoma Restaurant Association

American Rental Association

At Marianne's Rentals for Special Events, we accept VISA®, MasterCard®, Discover® AND American Express®.

We'd like to send you our E-MAIL edition, a monthly preview of all the best parties and events, many with free admission, throughout Oklahoma. Everything from Rodeos to Concerts to Sports Events and Festivals. Just send us your E-mail address and you'll start receiving this great entertainment calendar right away. And, you can FORWARD it to your friends or PRINT a copy for the company bulletin board. If you have comments, questions, information, coming attractions, announcements or suggestions for us, please E-mail mkwheeler@aol.com , or FAX us at 405.752.9688. We'll be happy to consider including event information or articles contributed by our readers.

Sincerely, Marianne

Search for the Album or Artist of Your Choice! Artist Album Title Song Title