Enid photographer Mike Klemme will unveil his new book, “Celebrating Enid,” 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at David Allen Memorial Ballpark.
“Everybody who pre-ordered a book can pick their book up. We mainly did it so they could get their books. I’ve already signed them all,” Klemme said. “People who would like to order are more than welcome to come.”
During the kickoff event, photographs from the book will be shown on the Jumbotron in the ballpark.
“We are going to provide refreshments,” he said. “We will be there after church gets out since so many people go to church on Wednesdays.”
“Celebrating Enid!” is a 10-inch by 11-inch, 160-page coffee table book with more than 250 images shot by Klemme. The book will include sections on Business and Industry, Arts and Culture, Community and Education, Recreation and Tourism, and a chapter on northwest Oklahoma.
“I spent 16 to 18 months photographing things that fit in those categories,” Klemme said.
A history of the area was written by the late Phil Brown, with some additions by Klemme’s father, Chisholm Trail historian Bob Klemme.
“We found photos from the museum (Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center) to go with each paragraph of history,” Klemme said.
The book not is only for enjoyment by Enid and area residents, but it also was designed to help boost Enid.
“It was designed to be an economic development tool for Brent Kisling (executive director of Enid Regional Development Alliance). It is a way to build pride in the town,” Klemme said. “I am hoping a number of companies in town can use it as a recruiting tool. Also, I hope to use it as recruitment tool for kids who moved away to come back here.”
Klemme is an Enid native and has spent the last 25 years on assignment in nearly 50 countries around the globe. His photographs have appeared in magazines, books and calendars, and he served as the official photographer of the Oklahoma Centennial.
The book can be purchased online at celebratingenid.com for $49.95.