Henry seeks new luck at Mayo - Tulsa gala opens weekend of inaugural events for re-elected governor

In a sparkling atmosphere at a Tulsa landmark, Gov. Brad Henry celebrated his second term with hundreds of friends and supporters Saturday night.

"I really think Oklahoma has tremendous momentum," Henry said. "Oklahomans need to dream big. We are poised for greatness. I think we can do anything."

Optimism flowed through the historic Mayo Hotel ballroom during the inaugural gala, much as it did four years ago when Henry was first elected. Henry asked to return to the venue just for that reason.

"I think it brought me good luck four years ago," he said, adding that Tulsa's vitality affects Oklahoma. "This community is so important to the entire state."

Blue lights washed over the exterior columns of the Mayo Hotel, 115 W. Fifth St. Inside, giant luminous snowflakes rotated slowly on the walls.

Waiters served blue martinis, and guests dined on blue crab and lobster-stuffed filet of beef.

The black-tie event marked the first of three days of inaugural activities, culminating Monday when Henry will take his oath of office on the steps of the state Capitol and attend a gala in Oklahoma City that night.

Henry's wife, Kim Henry, wore a light-blue dress meant to match the color of the state flag in honor of Oklahoma's centennial year.

"The Mayo is just a wonderful venue to have this in; we're just excited to be back," she said. "I think Oklahoma is on the cusp of great things. We have a lot of work to do."

The governor listed education, health care and improvements to transportation infrastructure as some of his biggest accomplishments in his first term.

"We want to continue to build on those successes," he said, noting that he has many plans not yet announced for the next four years.

Celebrating his re-election on Oklahoma's centennial year struck a special chord with Henry, he said.

"I'm so excited for us and Oklahoma," he said.

The ball, which was attended by roughly 330 people, was paid for by private and corporate donations, said its co-chairwoman Margaret Erling.

Bobbie Gail Smith, the wife of Cherokee Chief Chad Smith, gave the invocation in English and Cherokee. She asked for wisdom and guidance for Henry as well as cooperation between state and tribal leaders in the next four years.

Amari Gills, 11, performed the state song. John Erling was the master of ceremonies.

"It's a real celebration of Oklahoma," said Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor, who issued a proclamation. "We have some great Tulsa talent helping."

A seven-piece band, Smilin' Vic & the Soul Monkeys, provided jazz and blues tunes.