HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, The Lone Star State is home to many communities 1-2 whose agricultural enterprise and endeavors comprise the backbone 1-3 of the state's economy; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Knox City is home of a unique crop of seedless 1-5 watermelon which thrives in this community of 1440 with its sandy 1-6 soil and an average growing season of 217 days; developed in the 1-7 high plains, the seedless watermelon is a testament of the 1-8 ingenuity and determination of the people of Knox City and Knox 1-9 County to produce a fruitful crop from the often unforgiving 1-10 terrain; and 1-11 WHEREAS, Johnson's Farms, operated by the families of Donald 1-12 Johnson and his son, Dwayne Johnson, served as the birthplace of 1-13 this landmark innovation in agricultural history; the produce is 1-14 shipped to every state in the union and has gained worldwide 1-15 prominence in the global market; the success of the seedless 1-16 watermelon has seen operations expand to California, Mexico, 1-17 Central America, and Israel with the seeds produced in Knox City 1-18 being sold to other operations; and 1-19 WHEREAS, Knox City plays annual host to the Seedless 1-20 Watermelon Festival held each July; which serves to promote the 1-21 area's most treasured commodity and attracts tourists from around 1-22 the state and nation; the event also serves as a community reunion 1-23 where friends and families come together each year to renew 1-24 friendships and share in fellowship; and 2-1 WHEREAS, The ever increasing popularity and availability of 2-2 the seedless watermelon has been of significant impact to the 2-3 community's agricultural production and overall economy; now, 2-4 therefore, be it 2-5 RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-6 hereby designate Knox City as the Seedless Watermelon Capitol of 2-7 Texas; and, be it further 2-8 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-9 prepared for Knox City as an expression of highest regard by the 2-10 Texas House of Representatives and Senate. Counts _______________________________ _______________________________ President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 245 was adopted by the House on May 15, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 245 was adopted by the Senate on June 2, 1997, by a viva-voce vote. _______________________________ Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: _____________________ Date _____________________ Governor