Oklahoma Indians Featured at
Disney Epcot’s International
Food & Wine Festival

continues through November 11, 2007

Officials from the State of Oklahoma and the American Indian Cultural Center & Museum attended the opening of the Oklahoma Experience at the 12th Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival on Friday, September 28, 2007.  The Walt Disney World Resort invited the State of Oklahoma to be the first state-dedicated marketplace at the festival which continues through November 11, 2007.

The Oklahoma experience, located between Morocco and France, consists of three 28’ wide by 16’ tall panels depicting 100 Stories of Oklahoma.  Mounted are photos that illustrate great events, locations and personalities that have shaped Oklahoma.

One wall expresses Native American cultures; another wall portrays Western Heritage with the third wall interpreting nostalgic Route 66. Complimenting the walls of wonder is a Wichita Grass House used for cooking demonstrations, a teepee programmed with children’s activities, alongside a central entertainment stage and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum’s Chuck Wagon. Three food and beverage kiosks offer Oklahoma cuisine such as “three sister’s stew,” barbeque, peach buckle and other savory items.

Featured on the Native American Wall of Wonder are historical and contemporary figures such as: Sequoyah, the five Indian Ballerina’s, a map of the Cherokee Strip, contemporary powwow dancers, Choctaw youth dancers and Chickasaw astronaut, Commander John B. Herrington.  Oklahoma ambassadors will be present throughout the festival to answer questions and extend an invitation to guests from around the world to visit Oklahoma.

The multi-sensory experience engages the taste buds, offering insight into the diverse Oklahoma cultures. During the festival the following American Indian artists and performers will share their talents with worldwide visitors: Nathan Hart, Benjamin Harjo Jr. Scott Roberts, Jana Jae & Hotwire, Heidi Big Knife, Rachel Dew, Perry and Kathy Van Buskirk, Brent Learned, Josephine Parker, Michael Roberts, Mel Cornshucker, Oklahoma Fancy Dancers, Patrick Riley, Harvey Pratt, Norma Howard, Jane Osti, Carol Pate, Will Hill and Bert Seabourn.