1-1     By:  Madden (Senate Sponsor - Shapiro)               H.C.R. No. 181
 1-2           (In the Senate - Received from the House May 10, 1999;
 1-3     May 10, 1999, read first time and referred to Committee on
 1-4     Administration; May 13, 1999, reported favorably by the following
 1-5     vote:  Yeas 5, Nays 0; May 13, 1999, sent to printer.)
 1-6                         HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
 1-7           WHEREAS, The year 1999 marks the 20th anniversary celebration
 1-8     of the Southwestern Bell Plano Balloon Festival, and this festive
 1-9     occasion has long been a popular attraction for residents and
1-10     visitors alike; and
1-11           WHEREAS, The three-day extravaganza begins on September 17,
1-12     1999, and features twice-daily launchings of colorful hot air
1-13     balloons, as well as a wide variety of other fun-filled activities;
1-14     attracting more than 250,000 spectators, the festival also has a
1-15     significant economic impact on the Plano area; and
1-16           WHEREAS, The 100 hot air balloons are, of course, the
1-17     festival's main attraction, created in many diverse shapes and
1-18     featuring such unique balloons as the Uniroyal Tire, Big Foot,
1-19     Something Fishy, Sky Frank, Tony the Tiger, Hagar the Horrible,
1-20     Mrs. Butterworth's syrup bottle, and Rubber Duckie, all soaring
1-21     majestically through the skies over Plano; and
1-22           WHEREAS, The Festival Market, a unique arts, crafts, and gift
1-23     show, is another of the event's enticing attractions; organized by
1-24     the Volunteer Center of Collin County, the market will take place
1-25     in the Collin County Community College facility located directly
1-26     across from the launch field; and
1-27           WHEREAS, In addition to providing a delectable selection of
1-28     food served by local nonprofit organizations and small independent
1-29     businesses, the festival offers other entertaining diversions,
1-30     including activities for kids, local performing groups, and the
1-31     thrilling RE/MAX skydivers; and
1-32           WHEREAS, This year's Southwestern Bell Plano Balloon Festival
1-33     promises to provide countless hours of enjoyment for all those in
1-34     attendance, and it is indeed fitting that this spectacular event be
1-35     recognized at this time; now, therefore, be it
1-36           RESOLVED, That the 76th Legislature of the State of Texas
1-37     hereby commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Southwestern Bell
1-38     Plano Balloon Festival and officially designate Plano as the Hot
1-39     Air Balloon Capital of Texas.
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