82R20071 JBA-D
By: McClendon H.R. No. 1235
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Each April, Fiesta San Antonio draws over three
million visitors to what has become the biggest festival held in the
city of San Antonio and one of the largest events in Texas; and
WHEREAS, The 120th anniversary of Fiesta is taking place this
year, in an 11-day celebration from April 7 through 17; the festival
commemorates the Battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto and the birth
of the State of Texas and pays tribute to the rich cultural and
multiethnic heritage of the Alamo City; the area nonprofit
organizations that stage the more than 100 Fiesta events held
around the city include churches, schools, arts groups, health
organizations, athletic associations, and many others; local units
of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines offer their
support to many of these gatherings while also presenting events of
their own; and
WHEREAS, The festival is famed for a number of signature
celebrations: the Battle of Flowers Parade, which is known as the
"grandmother" of Fiesta events, the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, which
is thought to be the largest illuminated parade in the country, the
Texas Cavaliers River Parade, in which the floats really float, and
"A Night in Old San Antonio," which honors the city's heritage with
food and live music; and
WHEREAS, Fiesta San Antonio generates an economic impact in
the community of more than $284 million; an undertaking of this
magnitude depends on the efforts of many volunteers, and over
75,000 individuals donate their time and talents to organizing the
event; deserving of special recognition are 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 people from all
walks of life to join in a spirited celebration of the city's rich
history, culture, and traditions; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby honor Fiesta San Antonio 2011 and commend the
many outstanding groups and individuals who make the event a
success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Fiesta San Antonio Commission as an expression of
high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.