By: Christian H.C.R. No. 10HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION WHEREAS, Now in its 15th year, the East Texas What-A-Melon Festival offers a refreshing tribute each summer to one of the region's most significant agricultural products; and WHEREAS, Shelby County is a leader among watermelon-producing counties in the Lone Star State, and every year on the second Friday and Saturday in July, approximately 10,000 people travel to the county seat of Center and give a boost to the local economy while sampling the mouth-watering melon and participating in a host of fun-filled activities; and WHEREAS, The festival's attractions include a largest watermelon contest, seed spitting, an antique car show, lawnmower races, country music, a carnival, and assorted vendors selling tasty food and unique craft items; and WHEREAS, Sponsored by the Center Business Association, the festival helps fund such popular community projects as holiday lighting and downtown decorations and banners; and WHEREAS, Through the years, the organizers of the East Texas What-A-Melon Festival have hosted an event that provides attendees with a Texas-sized helping of fun and entertainment, and it is most appropriate that the success of this festival and Shelby County's importance as a major watermelon producer be duly recognized; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas, 3rd Called Session, hereby designate the East Texas What-A-Melon Festival as the Official Watermelon Festival of East Texas until January 31, 2005.