By:  R. Lewis                                           H.R. No. 18
       73R2261 BNL-D
                                  R E S O L U T I O N
    1-1        WHEREAS, The development of plants indigenous to this region
    1-2  and their promotion in the worldwide marketplace provide both
    1-3  economic growth and international recognition for the State of
    1-4  Texas, thus ensuring a vast market for our agricultural products
    1-5  and more jobs for Texans; and
    1-6        WHEREAS, Beginning this year, the town of Bridge City will
    1-7  assist in this noble effort by hosting the International Mayhaw
    1-8  Mania Conference and Festival the third weekend in each April for
    1-9  the purpose of promoting the growth of the mayhaw hawthorn plant
   1-10  along the Gulf Coast; and
   1-11        WHEREAS, This native plant produces a small, crab-apple-like
   1-12  fruit called the mayhaw, which early pioneers recognized as the
   1-13  best fruit for making jelly; and
   1-14        WHEREAS, The International Mayhaw Mania Conference and
   1-15  Festival will reintroduce this long-overlooked berry to the world
   1-16  and will give many people their first taste of delicious mayhaw
   1-17  jelly, as well as other delectable food products and desserts; and
   1-18        WHEREAS, The conference will also promote the mayhaw as a
   1-19  crucial ingredient in such diverse products as potpourri, heart
   1-20  medications, candies, spices, and caffeine-free teas, to name a
   1-21  few; and
   1-22        WHEREAS, This unique festival will provide a venue for
   1-23  education and discussion among the nearly 300 people in the South
   1-24  who are dedicated to the horticultural research and development of
    2-1  the mayhaw plant for use locally and worldwide; recognizing its
    2-2  potential, many of these experts predict that the mayhaw will soon
    2-3  become a major cash crop in  Texas and Louisiana and along the
    2-4  entire Gulf Coast of the United States; and
    2-5        WHEREAS, In addition, the festival will feature all the
    2-6  family fun of a country fair with shows, games, and entertainment,
    2-7  and for those who can't get enough of this delicious fruit,
    2-8  hundreds of gallons of mayhaws will be available for purchase so
    2-9  that visitors can experience for themselves the great taste of
   2-10  homemade mayhaw jelly and desserts; and
   2-11        WHEREAS, The International Mayhaw Mania Conference and
   2-12  Festival promises to be a fun-filled and educational event for all
   2-13  who attend and will greatly expand awareness and appreciation of
   2-14  this versatile Texas berry; now, therefore, be it
   2-15        RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas
   2-16  Legislature hereby extend warmest best wishes for a festive and
   2-17  spirited celebration and commend the organizers and volunteers who
   2-18  have contributed many hours of their time to make the International
   2-19  Mayhaw Mania Conference and Festival a memorable event; and, be it
   2-20  further
   2-21        RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
   2-22  prepared for presentation to the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce as
   2-23  an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.