SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 213
	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, Dubbed the Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World, 
this unique town was once known for its extensive black-eyed pea 
production and pays tribute to the legume each October with the 
Black-Eyed Pea Fall Harvest; other exciting annual events 
include 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 Senate of the State of Texas,
79th 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.
                                                                         Staples




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on February 23, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate