R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The Sweetwater Jaycees, sponsors since 1958 of the
 1-2     World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up, are visiting the State
 1-3     Capitol on February 16-17, 1999, and the members of this notable
 1-4     organization and their round-up are truly worthy of special
 1-5     recognition; and
 1-6           WHEREAS, The 41st edition of this internationally acclaimed
 1-7     event will be held in Sweetwater on March 12-14, 1999; this unique
 1-8     festival attracts an average of 35,000 annual visitors to this
 1-9     modest West Texas town, some coming to participate in the snake
1-10     hunt, others just for the thrill of seeing a live rattlesnake and
1-11     the chance to taste this Texas delicacy; and
1-12           WHEREAS, This three-day extravaganza was originally conceived
1-13     by a group of area farmers and ranchers plagued by an
1-14     overpopulation of rattlesnakes and has since become the world's
1-15     largest such round-up, with more than 100 tons of western and
1-16     diamondback rattlesnake turned in to date; proceeds from the event
1-17     are donated to local charities, youth programs, and the Sunshine
1-18     Inn, a learning center for the mentally handicapped; and
1-19           WHEREAS, Highlights of the round-up include a brisket/chili
1-20     cook-off, a parade, and a beauty pageant, during which contestants
1-21     compete for college scholarships donated by the Sweetwater Jaycees;
1-22     the festival also offers spectators the opportunity to see
1-23     experienced snake-handlers milking the snakes' dangerous venom, a
1-24     toxic substance that can be beneficial to cancer research and as an
 2-1     antidote to snakebite; and
 2-2           WHEREAS, The 41st annual World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up
 2-3     will certainly generate great excitement and publicity for the city
 2-4     of Sweetwater and its citizens, and the Sweetwater Jaycees merit
 2-5     honor and praise for their continuing commitment to this
 2-6     spectacular and popular event; now, therefore, be it
 2-7           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas
 2-8     Legislature hereby honor the Sweetwater Jaycees for their
 2-9     sponsorship of the World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up and extend
2-10     to them sincere best wishes for a successful event; and, be it
2-11     further
2-12           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
2-13     prepared for the Sweetwater Jaycees as an expression of high regard
2-14     by the Texas House of Representatives.
                                                                      Counts
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 143 was adopted by the House on
         February 16, 1999, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House