By:  Sims                                             S.C.R. No. 99
                             SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
    1-1        WHEREAS, Fredericksburg, Texas, has continued to preserve the
    1-2  architecture, language, customs, music, and food of the German
    1-3  families who first settled the scenic area in 1846 and is
    1-4  recognized by many as the authentic German-Texas community in the
    1-5  state; and
    1-6        WHEREAS, Festivals and special events highlight the year and
    1-7  the town invites visitors and guests from around the state to join
    1-8  in the celebration of the age-old traditions that have continued
    1-9  since its founding; and
   1-10        WHEREAS, Schuetzenfest, Oktoberfest, Kristkindl Markt,
   1-11  Kinderfest, and the Easter Fire Pageant have become popular
   1-12  attractions that are eagerly anticipated by visitors and residents
   1-13  alike who revel in the color, music, food, and camaraderie invoked
   1-14  by the pageants; and
   1-15        WHEREAS, An integral part of all the festivals is German
   1-16  music; Fredericksburg has a strong music and singing heritage
   1-17  including the choir, the Arion Maennerchor, and the oompah bands
   1-18  that have entertained visitors from the Pedernales to the Potomac;
   1-19  and
   1-20        WHEREAS, "Night in Old Fredericksburg" is almost 30 years old
   1-21  and recreates the musical tradition of Fredericksburg; and
   1-22        WHEREAS, An added feature to the Night in Old Fredericksburg
   1-23  is the "Battle of the Polka Bands" to determine the best bands in
    2-1  the region; and
    2-2        WHEREAS, Dedicated to strengthening its music tradition,
    2-3  Fredericksburg is hosting a German band in September, 1993, and
    2-4  will send one of its German bands to Germany in 1994; and
    2-5        WHEREAS, Known for its delightful entertainment,
    2-6  Fredericksburg is one of the major attractions in the state and
    2-7  continues to have a steady increase in visitors each year; now,
    2-8  therefore, be it
    2-9        RESOLVED, That the 73rd Legislature of the State of Texas
   2-10  hereby declare the City of Fredericksburg the Polka Capital of
   2-11  Texas in recognition of its exceptional contributions to preserving
   2-12  this original German music for the enjoyment of all who appreciate
   2-13  good music and for the generations of young Texans still to come;
   2-14  and, be it further
   2-15        RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for the
   2-16  citizens of Fredericksburg as an expression of the admiration and
   2-17  appreciation of the Texas Legislature.