SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 604

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the Rio Grande Valley Cook-Off at PalmFest in McAllen as a Texas State Barbecue Championship competition; and

WHEREAS, The cook-off is supported by the City of McAllen and by the annual PalmFest International Folklife Celebration; PalmFest is held the first full weekend in October in McAllen and attracts over 30,000 people to the City of Palms; and

WHEREAS, One of the oldest and longest running cook-offs in the state, the Rio Grande Valley Cook-Off has its origin in the Fajita Cook-Off, which was first held in the Valley in 1976; and

WHEREAS, In 2007, the Fajita Cook-Off was expanded to include barbecue; the barbecue competition was sanctioned by the International Barbeque Cookers Association, and the event became a major attraction at PalmFest; and

WHEREAS, Texans are noted for their affinity for barbecue, and the Rio Grande Valley Cook-Off at PalmFest brings people together to sample the wares of some of the best chefs in the state; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby extend congratulations to the citizens of McAllen for hosting the Rio Grande Valley Cook-Off at PalmFest, now a Texas State Barbecue Championship competition, and extend best wishes for the future to all associated with the event; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of the Rio Grande Valley Cook-Off.

Hinojosa

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 8, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate