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CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, Cowboys, ranching, and rodeos are cultural icons |
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that reflect the identity of the Lone Star State, and Amarillo has |
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played a significant role in celebrating and preserving this rich |
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heritage; and |
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WHEREAS, Competitive rodeo events grew out of the cattle |
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industry in the American West, and the Texas Panhandle became a |
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major hub for cattle drives and open-range ranching beginning in |
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the late 1800s; the region has served as home to some of the most |
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famous ranches in state history, including the JA Ranch established |
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in 1876, the XIT Ranch founded in 1885, and the Frying Pan Ranch, |
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which was created in the 1880s; over time, cowboys from neighboring |
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ranch operations challenged each other's riding and roping skills |
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in rodeo competitions, and local contests became annual events; and |
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WHEREAS, Today, that tradition continues through ranch |
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rodeos, which feature working ranch hands instead of professional |
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rodeo athletes; Amarillo serves as a center for these contests, |
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which draw tens of thousands of spectators to the city each year; |
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the Tri-State Ranch Rodeo takes place as part of the annual |
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Tri-State Fair & Rodeo, and the Will Rogers Range Riders Rodeo is |
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held over the Fourth of July holiday; the Working Ranch Cowboys |
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Association conducts the World Championship Ranch Rodeo finals, and |
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Amarillo is also home to the Coors Cowboy Club Ranch Rodeo as well |
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as the West Texas Ranch Rodeo, which hosts collegiate teams from |
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around the country; in addition, the Boys Ranch Rodeo sponsored by |
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Cal Farley's Boys Ranch dates to 1945; and |
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WHEREAS, Today, ranching remains an important economic |
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driver for the Amarillo area, and the city's Western traditions are |
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celebrated through special events, museums, and historic sites that |
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honor the working cowboy lifestyle; and |
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WHEREAS, Ranch rodeos are a source of pride and prosperity |
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for the residents of Amarillo, and the city's reputation as a |
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showcase for the sport makes it a popular destination for visitors |
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and competitors from across the Lone Star State and beyond; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas |
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hereby designate Amarillo as the official Ranch Rodeo Capital of |
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Texas; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of |
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Section 391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in |
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effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is |
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finally passed by the legislature. |