By Glaze                                               H.R. No. 419
         77R5166 MJS-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, On April 11, 2001, many proud residents from Upshur
 1-2     County are visiting Austin to celebrate Upshur County Day at the
 1-3     State Capitol; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, Upshur County comprises about 600 square miles of
 1-5     wooded and gently rolling landscape in the Piney Woods that is
 1-6     among the most picturesque in the state; it was formed in 1846 by
 1-7     the 1st Texas Legislature; and
 1-8           WHEREAS, In its early years of existence, county residents
 1-9     took advantage of its fertile soil to produce an abundance of crops
1-10     that helped the area prosper; throughout the years, the county has
1-11     continued to grow and flourish and now relies on a multifaceted
1-12     economy that revolves around manufacturing, agribusinesses,
1-13     government/services, petroleum products, and lumber; and
1-14           WHEREAS, Gilmer serves as the county seat and is home of the
1-15     renowned East Texas Yamboree; a three-day festival held annually
1-16     beginning on the third Thursday of October, this unique celebration
1-17     of the sweet potato was selected as one of the top 10 Best Annual
1-18     Festivals or Events in the Lone Star State by Texas Highways
1-19     magazine and received a similar honor from the 2000 Texas Downtown
1-20     Association; and
1-21           WHEREAS, Residents and visitors can keep up with all the news
1-22     and happenings in Gilmer and the rest of the state with The Gilmer
1-23     Mirror newspaper, which is published daily and holds the singular
1-24     distinction of being Upshur County's oldest business institution;
 2-1     and
 2-2           WHEREAS, The county's unspoiled beauty, innate charm, and
 2-3     proximity to several bodies of water make it a popular destination
 2-4     for outdoor and water enthusiasts; moreover, with its rich
 2-5     heritage, colorful history, and vibrant culture, Upshur County is a
 2-6     reflection of what makes the Lone Star State great; and
 2-7           WHEREAS, It is most appropriate to take this opportunity to
 2-8     follow in the footsteps of our earliest legislative forebears and
 2-9     pay tribute to the residents of this outstanding county; now,
2-10     therefore, be it
2-11           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
2-12     Legislature hereby recognize April 11, 2001, as Upshur County Day
2-13     at the State Capitol and extend to its citizens sincere best wishes
2-14     for future success and happiness.