79R7337 MAM-D

By:  Seaman                                                       H.R. No. 550



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Residents of Aransas County are gathering on March 
1, 2005, at the State Capitol to celebrate their community's 
contributions to the Lone Star State; and
	WHEREAS, Located on the southern Coastal Plains, Aransas 
County was created from Refugio County in 1871 and named for Rio 
Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu, a moniker derived from a renowned 
Spanish palace; Karankawa Indians once made their home in this 
verdant setting, and Spanish explorer Diego Ortiz Parrilla led an 
expedition along the area's Gulf Coast in 1766; since then, 
countless people have been drawn to the region's abundant supply of 
natural and cultural resources; and
	WHEREAS, This fine Texas county has flourished with a 
diversified economy, which has ensured its continued prosperity; 
today, the region's major industries include agribusiness, 
tourism, oil and gas production, and fish packing; and
	WHEREAS, Aransas County is home to the historic Fulton 
Mansion, operated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the 
Texas Maritime Museum, the official state maritime museum, and the 
Rockport Center for the Arts; outdoor sports enthusiasts enjoy the 
recreational activities provided by Goose Island State Park, the 
Copano Bay State Fishing Pier, and Rockport Beach, a certified 
"Blue Wave Beach"; furthermore, bird watchers take great delight in 
the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, the principal wintering 
ground of the endangered whooping crane; and
	WHEREAS, The community also hosts many celebrations 
throughout the year, including Oysterfest, Fiesta en la Playa, the 
Hummer/Bird Celebration, Seafair, the Fourth of July Fireworks and 
Art Festival, the Rockport Festival of Wines, and the Celebration 
of Lights; and
	WHEREAS, Residents of Aransas County continue to play an 
integral role in preserving their rich cultural heritage while 
preparing for a prosperous future, and it is a pleasure to honor 
them on this special day; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize March 1, 2005, as Aransas County Day 
at the State Capitol and extend to those present today sincere best 
wishes for an enjoyable visit.