WHEREAS, On February 11, 1911, the City of Omak was officially incorporated and over the next century Omak would grow to become the largest city in Okanogan County, the largest county in Washington State; and
     WHEREAS, Initial settlement of this part of the state was the result of mining and pioneering cattle operations; and
     WHEREAS, The City flourished because of investments made by the United States Bureau of Reclamation bringing water to the surrounding lands, enabling the establishment of a world-class apple growing center; and
     WHEREAS, Apple growing resulted in a demand for box making lumber, and soon a lumber mill was humming in the valley providing materials for apple boxes, lumber for building, and in later years, operation of a furniture factory; and
     WHEREAS, Over the years, cattle, apples, and lumber economies provided the foundation for a prosperous community including banks, hospitals, schools, and a vibrant business district that has become the commercial hub of North Central Washington; and
     WHEREAS, One natural outgrowth of the cattle industry was the founding of the Omak Stampede, World Famous Suicide Race and Indian Encampment which has provided entertainment for generations of people who appreciate the old western culture through the years; and
     WHEREAS, The City's location in the middle of a well-managed National Forest and State Forest Lands provided plentiful recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike who enjoyed the access created by timber management operations for camping, fishing, hunting and in more recent times, skiing and snowmobiling; and
     WHEREAS, In recent times Omak has been blessed with a boom in construction of major retail chain store outlets, further cementing the City's role as the commercial hub of the North Central Washington Region; and
     WHEREAS, The City of Omak began the celebration of its 100th year with a Birthday Party for the City on February 11, 2011, and followed that with a reception and display of historic photographs at Rockwall Cellars. Later Centennial events included Paint the Town, The Omak High School All Class Reunion, the Omak Stampede, Halloween and Christmas decorating contests and a Centennial themed Christmas Parade. The final chapter of this year long celebration will be the Omak Centennial Soiree on February 10, 2012, ending the year long celebration where the organizers will gather items commemorating the Centennial Year for inclusion in Time Capsules to be interred for opening during the City's Sesquicentennial and Bicentennial Years celebrations;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives commend the people of Omak for building their community on the frontier, making it a special place to live and raise a family, and send congratulations on this historical milestone as you look back with pride and ahead with excitement to the opportunities that await you; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Mayor of the City of Omak, Cindy Gagné.