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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, The Great Texas Balloon Race is being held from July |
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10 to 12, 2009, in Longview; and |
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WHEREAS, This world-class event dates back to 1978, when a |
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hot air balloon pilot, Dr. Bill Bussey, advertised the opening of |
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the Longview Mall by draping a banner over his balloon, and he began |
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gaining support from local residents and business leaders for the |
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establishment of a balloon race; in 1980, Dr. Bussey helped create |
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the first-ever balloon glow, an evening attraction that showcased a |
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number of tethered balloons illuminated in a radiant display of |
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light, and from then on, these events became increasingly popular |
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and drew many new visitors to the city; and |
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WHEREAS, Affiliated with the North American Balloon |
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Association, the Great Texas Balloon Race attracts pilots from |
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across the United States and beyond to the East Texas Regional |
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Airport, where they vie for the Texas State Championship; it |
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features 80 sport and special-shaped hot air balloons engaged in |
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such competitions as the Controlled Navigational Trajectory Event, |
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or the "Key Grab," which is a crowd favorite; the weekend |
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festivities also include live concerts, arts and crafts, and |
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children's activities; and |
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WHEREAS, For more than three decades, the Great Texas Balloon |
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Race has remained a cherished tradition for many residents of the |
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Lone Star State, and it is indeed a pleasure to join the citizens of |
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Longview in celebrating this noteworthy occasion; now, therefore, |
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be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate the 2009 Great Texas Balloon Race |
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and extend to its sponsors and attendees sincere best wishes for a |
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memorable and successful event; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the organizers of the Great Texas Balloon Race as an |
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expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. |
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Merritt |
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______________________________ |
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Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.R. No. 2847 was adopted by the House on June |
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1, 2009, by a non-record vote. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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