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 Aransas County in the joyous celebration of Aransas 1-3 County Day at the State Capitol on March 18, 1997; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Located on the southern Coastal Plains, the county 1-5 was created from Refugio County in 1871 and was named for Rio 1-6 Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu, which had taken its name from a famed 1-7 Spanish palace; and 1-8 WHEREAS, Its prime location has helped Aransas County to 1-9 flourish, and it continues to contribute greatly to the state's 1-10 fiscal prosperity; the county enjoys a strong and diversified 1-11 economic base, with agribusiness, tourism, shipbuilding, oil and 1-12 gas production, and fish packing as its major industries; and 1-13 WHEREAS, Residents of Aransas County are justifiably proud of 1-14 the region's rich heritage; the Karankawa Indians once made their 1-15 home in this verdant setting, and Spanish explorer Diego Ortiz 1-16 Parrilla travelled across the area in 1766 on an expedition along 1-17 the Gulf Coast; since that time, countless others have been drawn 1-18 to the region's abundant supply of natural and cultural resources; 1-19 and 1-20 WHEREAS, Outdoor sports enthusiasts have come to partake in 1-21 the wide variety of activities offered at Goose Island State Park, 1-22 Copano Bay State Fishing Pier, and Rockport Beach, and many 1-23 bird-watchers and nature lovers have made their stay in the area 1-24 complete with a visit to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, the 2-1 principal wintering ground of the endangered whooping crane; and 2-2 WHEREAS, Individuals of all ages enjoy the many celebrations 2-3 hosted in the community throughout the year, including Oyster Fest, 2-4 Fiesta en la Plaza, Seafair, the Fourth of July Fireworks and Art 2-5 Festival, and the Children's Christmas Tree; and 2-6 WHEREAS, Rich in culture and tradition, Aransas County is a 2-7 prosperous, forward-looking region and a leading participant in the 2-8 state's dynamic growth, and it gives the members of this chamber 2-9 great pleasure to join with our fellow citizens in saluting this 2-10 fine Texas county; now, therefore, be it 2-11 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-12 Legislature hereby designate March 18, 1997, as Aransas County Day 2-13 at the State Capitol and extend warmest best wishes to all its 2-14 citizens on this noteworthy occasion. Seaman _______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 297 was adopted by the House on March 18, 1997, by a non-record vote. _______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House