SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 711

WHEREAS, Fiesta San Antonio is an occasion in which over three million visitors enjoy more than 100 events during an 11-day period each April; it is the biggest festival held in the City of San Antonio and one of the largest events in Texas, with an economic impact of more than $284 million; and

WHEREAS, Fiesta San Antonio, which takes place this year April 7 through 17, commemorates the Battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto and thus the birth of the State of Texas; the festival celebrates the rich cultural and multiethnic heritage of the Alamo City, and the 100 local nonprofit organizations that stage Fiesta events include churches, schools, arts groups, health organizations, athletic associations, and many others; local army, navy, air force, and marine units also put on their own Fiesta events and give their support to other events; and

WHEREAS, The noteworthy events those organizations produce include the Battle of Flowers Parade, the "grandmother" of Fiesta events; the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, the country's largest illuminated night parade; the Texas Cavaliers River Parade, where the floats really float; and A Night in Old San Antonio, celebrating San Antonio's heritage with food and live music; the civilian nonprofit organizations that participate in Fiesta give back to their community throughout the year, and the military organizations defend our nation around the clock; and

WHEREAS, The success of Fiesta depends on the efforts of more than 75,000 volunteers who donate their time and talents; special recognition is deserved by the officers and staff of the Fiesta San Antonio Commission, including President Sam Bell Steves II, President-elect Evangelina Flores, Senior Vice President Marilyn Eldridge, Vice President Fernando Reyes, Vice President Cristina Gonzales, Treasurer Carolyn Cohen, Secretary Jack Hebdon, Presidential Appointee Marcie Ince, Immediate Past President Mary Begia and Executive Director Chuck Blische; and

WHEREAS, Fiesta San Antonio brings together city residents of all ages and backgrounds and visitors from around the state, nation, and world for 11 days of celebration, commemoration, education, and excitement; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby honor Fiesta San Antonio and commend the many outstanding groups and individuals who make Fiesta the biggest and most memorable festival in the state; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of Fiesta San Antonio. Wentworth, Uresti Van de Putte, Zaffirini

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Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate Member, Texas Senate

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 5, 2011.

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Secretary of the Senate