By Denny                                         H.R. No. 169

      75R4548 SAJ-D                           

                                 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.