1-1 By: Staples (Senate Sponsor - Ogden) H.C.R. No. 256 1-2 (In the Senate - Received from the House May 16, 1997; 1-3 May 17, 1997, read first time and referred to Committee on 1-4 Administration; May 18, 1997, reported favorably by the following 1-5 vote: Yeas 6, Nays 0; May 18, 1997, sent to printer.) 1-6 HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-7 WHEREAS, On September 27, 1997, the citizens of Hearne and 1-8 Robertson County will celebrate the "Crossroads" Sunflower 1-9 Festival, and the members of this chamber are proud to recognize 1-10 this noteworthy event; and 1-11 WHEREAS, Hearne, the "Crossroads of Texas," has long been 1-12 known for its proliferation of sunflowers, and these magnificent 1-13 plants have become a vital part of the community's landscape; and 1-14 WHEREAS, The ecological diversity of this region, which also 1-15 produces cotton, alfalfa, and corn, is well-known throughout Texas, 1-16 and in addition to providing beauty, the sunflower produces edible 1-17 seeds and low-fat oil; and 1-18 WHEREAS, Sunflowers thrive in the sandy soil and mild climate 1-19 of Robertson County, creating an eye-catching spectacle for 1-20 residents and visitors alike; the brilliant orange disks, with 1-21 their bright yellow rays, sway atop the plants' towering stalks, 1-22 rustling in Indian Summer's warm breezes; and 1-23 WHEREAS, This glorious display of color mirrors the positive 1-24 attitude of the citizens of Hearne, and their embracing this 1-25 distinctive flower further emphasizes its importance and relevance 1-26 within this fine community; now, therefore, be it 1-27 RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas 1-28 hereby declare Hearne the Sunflower Capital of Texas and commend 1-29 the organizers of the "Crossroads" Sunflower Festival for their 1-30 concerted efforts to promote the festival and encourage the 1-31 planting of sunflowers; and, be it further 1-32 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 1-33 prepared for the organizers of the festival as an expression of 1-34 high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate. 1-35 * * * * *