84R25144 BPG-D

By: Guillen H.R. No. 2417

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The Starr County Youth Fair is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2015; and

WHEREAS, Founded by adult leaders of the Starr-Grande 4-H Club, the fair was originally held on the grounds of what is now Roque Guerra Jr. Elementary School in Rio Grande City; the inaugural event was funded by donations and proceeds from raffles and snack sales, and it featured 5 steers and fewer than 10 lambs; and

WHEREAS, The fair had grown considerably by the mid-1970s, and members of the local 4-H, FHA, and FFA submitted more than 600 entries in the various competitions, which included livestock as well as art and science; moreover, a parade, rodeo, and country-western dance were added to the festivities; and

WHEREAS, In 1983, the establishment of the Starr County Fair Association launched a new era, and its board members guided further expansion of the event; the fair today takes place on more than one weekend, and among numerous family-oriented activities, it encompasses parades, musical entertainment, a high school art show, an academic rodeo, cooking contests, a wild game dinner and scholarship fund-raiser, and the Starr County Queen pageant; and

WHEREAS, For a half-century, the Starr County Youth Fair has brought the community together to celebrate the achievements of area students, and its longevity is a tribute to the dedication of the many public-spirited volunteers and civic leaders who have given generously of their time and talents in its behalf; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Starr County Youth Fair and commend all those who have contributed to the enduring success of this noteworthy event; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Starr County Fair Association as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.