79R6347 MAM-D

By:  Brown of Kaufman                                             H.R. No. 440



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Many proud residents of Athens are gathering at the 
State Capitol to celebrate Athens Day on February 23, 2005; and
	WHEREAS, The county seat of Henderson County, the city of 
Athens began its steady development when it was reincorporated in 
1901; since then, this charming East Texas town has experienced 
significant growth and the emergence of a dynamic citizenry; and
	WHEREAS, The area's fertile terrain and temperate climate 
have helped to make Athens a thriving agribusiness center; in 
addition, the city is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, providing 
opportunities for scuba diving, fishing, and many other 
recreational activities; and
	WHEREAS, This unique town hosts a number of exciting annual 
events, including the Athens Fiddlers' Contest and Reunion, the 
Chamber of Commerce PRCA Stampede Rodeo, the Athens Triathlon, the 
Smith MDA Benefit Rodeo, the Uncle Fletch Davis Hamburger Cook-off, 
and the Chamber of Commerce Business Exposition; and
	WHEREAS, The home of Trinity Valley Community College, Athens 
boasts a number of cultural centers and tourist attractions, such 
as the East Texas Arboretum, the Henderson County Historical 
Museum, the Murchison Galleries, the Henderson County Performing 
Arts Center, the Cain Center, the Henderson County Fairpark 
Complex, and the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, which features 
300,000 gallons of aquarium exhibits and every major species of 
freshwater fish found in Texas; and
	WHEREAS, This lovely city continues to be one of the Lone Star 
State's great assets, and it is indeed appropriate that the 
citizens of Athens be given special recognition at this time; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize February 23, 2005, as Athens Day at 
the State Capitol and extend to all visitors from that fine city a 
warm welcome.