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.