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