1-1                                     1
 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 91
 1-3           WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pride in
 1-4     recognizing the Third Annual Chinese New Year Festival, the
 1-5     largest Asian American new year celebration in Houston; and
 1-6           WHEREAS, In Mainland China, Taiwan, and in various other
 1-7     countries, the Chinese New Year is a most important holiday
 1-8     season and is celebrated with a long period of festivities; each
 1-9     new year arrives in accordance with the old Chinese lunar calendar
1-10     and is named for one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac; and
1-11           WHEREAS, The new year arrives anytime between January 21 and
1-12     February 19, depending on the new moon, and festivities begin on
1-13     or before the Chinese New Year's Day; the celebrations begin with
1-14     the appearance of the huge-headed silken lions, accompanied by
1-15     beating drums and firecrackers; dragons are prominent wherever
1-16     the New Year is celebrated; and
1-17           WHEREAS, There are millions of Chinese Americans in the
1-18     United States who celebrate this annual event and who use the
1-19     celebration as an effort to share traditional Chinese culture with
1-20     all members of the community and to preserve their rich heritage; and
1-21           WHEREAS, In Houston, the Chinese New Year celebration entails
1-22     nine days of public festivities; this year the opening ceremony
1-23     is held on Saturday, February 13, and Chinese New Year Festival,
1-24     Incorporated, expects 80,000 people to attend the festival; and
 2-1           WHEREAS, The Houston Chinese New Year Festival will provide
 2-2     a wide variety of activities and programs, including a Chinese
 2-3     traditional dress show, Chinese Opera, arts and crafts, children's
 2-4     games, lion and dragon dances, and appearances by Miss Chinatown
 2-5     and Miss Chinese New Year; there will also be numerous food booths
 2-6     and prizes; and
 2-7           WHEREAS, Participation in the Chinese New Year celebrations
 2-8     by the Chinese Americans and their friends, neighbors, colleagues,
 2-9     and business owners helps to unite individuals from diversified
2-10     cultures and strengthen community spirit; now, therefore, be it
2-11           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
2-12     76th Legislature, hereby commend all those who participate
2-13     in the Third Annual Chinese New Year Festival in Houston and
2-14     extend best wishes for a highly successful event and
2-15     Year of the Rabbit; and, be it further
2-16           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
2-17     the organizers of the Houston Chinese New Year Festival as an
2-18     expression of regard from the Texas Senate.
2-19                                                                   Ellis
2-20                                  ______________________________________
2-21                                          President of the Senate
2-22                                       I hereby certify that the above
2-23                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
2-24                                  on January 27, 1999.
2-25                                  ______________________________________
2-26                                          Secretary of the Senate
2-27                                  ______________________________________
2-28                                           Member, Texas Senate