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. 1-40 * * * * *