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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, On February 21, 2007, many proud residents of Athens |
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are gathering in Austin to celebrate Athens Day at the State |
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Capitol; and |
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WHEREAS, Though it was first incorporated in 1856, Athens did |
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not begin its steady development until it was reincorporated in |
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1901; since that time, this charming East Texas town has seen |
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significant growth and the emergence of a dynamic citizenry; and |
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WHEREAS, The fertile terrain and temperate climate of the |
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area have made Athens an agribusiness center; in addition, the city |
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is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, providing opportunities for |
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scuba diving, picknicking, and many other recreational adventures; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Athens boasts a strong claim to being the home of the |
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nation's favorite food, the hamburger, as proclaimed by State |
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Representative Betty Brown in H.C.R. 15; this unique town, also |
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known to many as the "Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World," features |
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many exciting annual events, including the Athens Fiddlers' Contest |
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and Reunion, the Chamber of Commerce PRCA Stampede Rodeo, the |
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Athens Triathlon, the Smith MDA Benefit Rodeo, the Uncle Fletch |
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Davis Hamburger Cook-off, and the Chamber of Commerce Business |
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Exposition; several institutions, cultural events, and tourist |
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attractions grace the landscape of the city as well, including |
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Trinity Valley Community College, the East Texas Arboretum, the |
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Henderson County Historical Museum, the Murchison Galleries, the |
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Henderson County Performing Arts Center, the Cain Center, the |
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Henderson County Fairpark Complex, and the Texas Freshwater |
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Fisheries Center, which features 300,000 gallons of aquarium |
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exhibits and every major species of freshwater fish found in Texas; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, While visiting the State Capitol, the Athens |
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contingent will meet with representatives of various committees and |
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state agencies to discuss issues of interest to local residents; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, This lovely city continues to be one of the Lone Star |
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State's great assets and an outstanding place in which to live, |
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work, and raise a family, and it is indeed appropriate that the |
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citizens of Athens be given special recognition at this time; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize February 21, 2007, as Athens Day at |
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the State Capitol and join the citizens of that city in paying |
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tribute to their hometown. |