H.R. No. 531R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Thousands of Texans are looking forward to participating in the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo (STFR), which is being staged March 22 through April 5, 2003, at the Travis County Exposition Center; and WHEREAS, From a modest beginning in 1938, when county extension agent T. H. Royder and the chamber of commerce held the first Travis County Baby Beef Show at West 11th Street and Congress Avenue in Austin with just 16 animals, the nonprofit fair and rodeo has burgeoned into an annual extravaganza lasting 15 days and featuring numerous highly anticipated events; and WHEREAS, The top fund-raiser for youth education in Central Texas, the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo contributed $1.5 million in scholarships and auction proceeds to Texas youth in 2002 alone; within a 45-county area, girls and boys from kindergarten through high school are eligible to participate in the educational and informational programs sponsored by STFR, whose scholarships are provided in conjunction with The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, Southwest Texas State University, Austin Community College, the Texas FFA Foundation, and the Texas 4-H Foundation; and WHEREAS, Nearly 2,000 volunteers share their time as members of more than 30 committees that meet year-round to ensure the success of the spring spectacular; included in the schedule of activities are a PRCA rodeo, concerts featuring nationally known entertainers, a carnival, a livestock show, a youth fair, educational programs, vendor booths, and a barbecue cook-off, which last year raised more than $100,000; the 2003 event will also introduce two new attractions--a 5K Sunrise Stampede and a Chuck Wagon Cook-off; and WHEREAS, This year, the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo has been chosen as one of 10 Wrangler Winter Tour sites whose events will be broadcast nationwide on the Outdoor Life Network and one of 10 ProRodeo Xtreme Bull Riding Tour sites whose events will be broadcast nationally on ESPN2; and WHEREAS, For more than 65 years, the staff and volunteers of the Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo have demonstrated a deep commitment to the young people of the Lone Star State, and their exemplary efforts indeed merit our highest praise; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas Legislature hereby recognize March 20, 2003, as Star of Texas Fair and Rodeo Day at the State Capitol and extend to all those associated with this event warmest best wishes for a memorable fair and rodeo. Baxter ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 531 was adopted by the House on March 20, 2003, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House