78S30160 JNC-D

By:  Christian                                                  H.C.R. No. 10 



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 the State of Texas.