By Seaman H.R. No. 141 77R4877 GMW-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The fifth annual Texas Sand Sculpture Festival is 1-2 being held on March 30-April 1, 2001, in Port Aransas, and this 1-3 significant occasion indeed merits special recognition; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Presented by the Port Aransas Community Theatre, 1-5 Texas SandFest attracts master sand sculptors from across the land 1-6 who come to Port Aransas to showcase their talents while competing 1-7 for prize money and awards; in addition to these master sculptors, 1-8 the event also features a competition for amateur sculptors, with 1-9 divisions for single sculptors, small groups, and large groups; and 1-10 WHEREAS, This extravaganza draws thousands of spectators each 1-11 year, including a record number of 75,000 in 2000, all of whom are 1-12 treated to superb sand sculpting as well as a wide variety of other 1-13 entertaining activities, such as arts and crafts, photography 1-14 contests, games, and music; the festival also serves an educational 1-15 purpose, promoting awareness about environmental concerns regarding 1-16 natural beaches and dunes; and 1-17 WHEREAS, The sand sculpting actually starts the weekend 1-18 before the festival begins, with experts giving instruction to kids 1-19 and amateurs and the creation of the demonstration sculpture, which 1-20 boasts a Texas theme; from beginning to end, Texas SandFest 1-21 receives attention from numerous media outlets, and articles about 1-22 the event have been featured in a wide range of noteworthy 1-23 publications; and 1-24 WHEREAS, The Texas Sand Sculpture Festival is indeed an 2-1 outstanding way to promote both art and the environment, and it is 2-2 truly a privilege to commemorate this spectacular festival at this 2-3 time; now, therefore, be it 2-4 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas 2-5 Legislature hereby recognize the Texas Sand Sculpture Festival as 2-6 the official Texas Sand Sculpture Festival and extend to all those 2-7 associated with Texas SandFest sincere best wishes for an enjoyable 2-8 event.