R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to join 1-2 the citizens of Collin County in the joyous celebration of Collin 1-3 County Day at the State Capitol on February 26, 1997; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Located on the Blackland Prairie of Northeast Texas, 1-5 the county was created in 1846 from Fannin County and was named for 1-6 Collin McKinney, one of the area's original settlers and a signer 1-7 of the Texas Declaration of Independence; and 1-8 WHEREAS, Its prime location has helped Collin County to 1-9 flourish through the years, and it continues to contribute greatly 1-10 to the state's fiscal prosperity; the county boasts a strong and 1-11 diversified economic base, and Plano is one of Texas' 1-12 fastest-growing cities; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Residents of Collin County are justifiably proud of 1-14 the region's rich heritage; the Caddo Indians once made their home 1-15 in this verdant setting, and Spanish explorer Pedro Vial traveled 1-16 through the county on an expedition from New Mexico to Louisiana in 1-17 1788; since that time, countless others have been drawn to the 1-18 region's abundant supply of natural and cultural resources; and 1-19 WHEREAS, Outdoor sports and recreation enthusiasts have 1-20 flocked to the area to participate in an outstanding array of water 1-21 sports at Lake Lavon, and visitors of all ages have greatly enjoyed 1-22 viewing the many restored historic homes in the area and learning 1-23 more about the region at the natural science museum; fans of the 1-24 television show "Dallas" have a unique opportunity to visit the 2-1 fictional Ewing homestead, the real-life Southfork Ranch, located 2-2 just outside of Plano; and 2-3 WHEREAS, The city of Plano is also known as the "Balloon 2-4 Capital of Texas," and residents and visitors alike celebrate the 2-5 early days of fall there with hot-air balloon races and an arts and 2-6 crafts festival held during the last weekend of September; and 2-7 WHEREAS, Rich in culture and tradition, Collin County is a 2-8 prosperous, forward-looking region and a leading participant in the 2-9 state's dynamic growth, and it gives the members of this chamber 2-10 great pleasure to join with our fellow citizens in saluting this 2-11 fine Texas county; now, therefore, be it 2-12 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-13 Legislature hereby designate February 26, 1997, as Collin County 2-14 Day at the State Capitol and extend best wishes to all its citizens 2-15 on this noteworthy occasion; and, be it further 2-16 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-17 prepared for the citizens of Collin County as an expression of high 2-18 regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Denny McCall Madden _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 169 was adopted by the House on February 26, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House