By Wise H.C.R. No. 229 75R13544 JHS-D HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, April 19, 1997, marked the eighth anniversary of the 1-2 Texas Rio Grande Valley Onion Festival, and this unique event is 1-3 truly deserving of special legislative recognition; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Since 1990, citizens of Weslaco have hosted this 1-5 exciting gathering, which celebrates the Texas sweet onion with 1-6 typically Texan enthusiasm; this year's event featured such 1-7 favorite activities as onion ring cooking and onion clipping 1-8 contests as well as the celebrity onion-eating competition; and 1-9 WHEREAS, The popular onion recipe contest provides 1-10 festival-goers with the opportunity to sample the many distinctive 1-11 onion-based dishes on hand and recognizes individuals who have 1-12 succeeded in creating daring and delicious taste sensations that 1-13 demonstrate the versatility of this native herb; and 1-14 WHEREAS, The celebratory atmosphere also includes clowns, 1-15 storytellers, and magicians to amuse, enthrall, and amaze younger 1-16 visitors, while adults can find a multitude of handmade items at 1-17 the annual arts and crafts show or tour special attractions such as 1-18 this year's antique car show; and 1-19 WHEREAS, The Texas Rio Grande Valley Onion Festival has 1-20 earned a special place among the Lone Star State's numerous annual 1-21 events, and the organizers of this outstanding event are to be 1-22 commended for their ongoing efforts to promote the Texas sweet 1-23 onion; now, therefore, be it 1-24 RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-1 hereby declare the Texas Rio Grande Valley Onion Festival the 2-2 Official State Onion Festival of Texas and honor all those who have 2-3 devoted themselves to the success of this event over the course of 2-4 the past eight years.