CLICK HERE…..To see the Parties Extra! photo gallery

EVENING HONORS LEE ALLAN

Lee Allan Smith. (Photos by Helen Ford Wallace).

Lee Allan Smith was the honoree Jan. 30 at a dinner in the Centennial Building at the Oklahoma State Fair. Local and state leaders, family members and friends attended the unveiling of two statues which will be at the State Fair Park, near the Centennial Waterfall, and at the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum.

Smith’s friend Ed deCordova thought up the honor and worked with the Oklahoma Centennial Commission to launch the project and collect donations. The project started with just one statue, but due to the response from those close to Smith, the two statues are set for installing in two of his favorite locations.

Giving tributes to Lee Allan Smith for lifetime service to the state were Barry Switzer, master of ceremonies; Ed deCordova, Tom McDaniel, Clay Bennett, Dr. Mike Anderson.

Tom McDaniel announced the creation of the Oklahoma Heritage Association’s “Lee Allan Smith Oklahoma Legacy Award” which will honor an individual who exemplifies the spirit of Oklahoma’s people and promotes the community.”

Larry “T-Byrd” Gordon and The Music People Luv Band played and the first song of the evening was the Centennial song, “Oklahoma Rising.”

The Centennial Building was transformed into a dance floor, dining and social area and a stage. Off white carpeting was put on the floor and the social area featured leather sofas and chairs. Chandeliers were hung throughout the room.

Among those attending were DeAnn Smith, DeLee and Wendy Smith, Jennifer and Fritz Kiersch, Candy and Tom Dulaney, Nancy and Ed deCordova, Louise and Clay Bennett, Danna and Kirk Humphreys, Jose Freede, Susan and David Amis, Marilyn and Bud Meade, Shirley and Pete Everest, Susan and Carl Edwards, Sharon and John Bozalis, Lyn and Ted Elam, Judy Jordan, Ruth and Dick Lampton, Lou Kerr, Nancy and Bob Ellis, Cathy and Jim Kirk, Lana and Dave Lopez, Jane Thompson, Nadine and Frank McPherson, Marilyn and Jim Law, Wanda and Bill Swisher, Karen and Earl Ingram, Betty and Herschal Crow, Eb Hines, Eunice and Joe Ellis,  Janet and John Edwards, Pam and Bill Shdeed and Carole Drake.

John Bozalis, Lee Allan Smith and Frank McPherson.

Ed deCordova and Jennifer Kiersch.

The Centennial Building at State Fair Park.

DeAnn Smith, Jennifer Kiersch, Shawn Smith.

Jane Thompson, Nadine McPherson, Lolly Anderson and Jayne Jayroe Gamble.

Lamps like this one with floating orchids were set around the room.