By: Anderson H.R. No. 1469
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, On April 21, 2009, the wonderful citizens from the
city of West, in McLennan County, Texas, are coming to the State
Capitol in Austin to share their Czech heritage, hospitality, and
world-famous kolaches; and
WHEREAS, Established at its present site in 1881 and
officially becoming West nine years later, this vibrant
community--named after Thomas West, a farmer, postmaster, and
businessman--retains many of the same charms that drew people to
the area more than 100 years ago; and
WHEREAS, Many of those drawn to this rich farmland were
immigrants from Czechoslovakia, who came to the area, farmed the
land, opened businesses, shared their European culture, and planted
roots that are now indelibly woven into the identity of West; and
WHEREAS, The people of West heartily embrace this heritage,
making it known and officially designated as the Czech Heritage
Capital of the State of Texas and offering the yearly Labor Day
weekend tradition of Westfest, a celebration of Old World foods,
music, arts and crafts, and many other activities; and
WHEREAS, The charms of this town have come to the notice of
travelers, television crews, and now the Texas Historical
Commission, which named the City of West a Texas Main Street City on
March 24, 2009 with a celebration headlined by the First Lady of
Texas Anita Perry; and
WHEREAS, Among the many charms of West that draw so many
travelers are its delicious fruit and meat kolaches, which have
been brought to the Capitol on this day in a community-wide joint
effort involving the City of West, the West Chamber of Commerce, and
many dedicated individuals who are here today as ambassadors of the
great City of West; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize April 21, 2009, as West Day at the
State Capitol and express its deepest gratitude to the people of
West, who have come to the Capitol to share the things we all love
about West--its rich history, its hospitality, and its delicious
food.