2011S0729-1 03/15/11
By: Duncan S.C.R. No. 34
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize the City of Lamesa on the occasion of its first Original
Chicken-Fried Steak Festival; and
WHEREAS, The City of Lamesa has enjoyed considerable fame as
the birthplace of the chicken-fried steak ever since the Austin
American-Statesman published a fictional story on January 11, 1976,
alleging that the chicken-fried steak was invented in 1911 by a
short-order cook named Jimmy Don Perkins at a Lamesa diner called
Ethel's Home Cooking; the story contained numerous clues alluding
to its satirical nature, yet it was later reported as if it were
true by many news outlets; and
WHEREAS, Through the years, the story has gained currency as
a Texas legend, appearing in such diverse locations as the on-line
encyclopedia Wikipedia, Texas Monthly magazine, the Washington
Post, and the Texas State Historical Association's Handbook of
Texas Online; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing a good thing when they see it, Lamesa's
city leaders have organized Lamesa's Original Chicken-Fried Steak
Festival to pay tribute to this gustatory delight and to raise
awareness of its status as an icon of Texas cooking; this
outstanding event will feature games and entertainment, a classic
car show, and a chicken-fried steak cook-off with celebrity judges;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby extend best wishes for great success to the organizers of
Lamesa's Original Chicken-Fried Steak Festival and call on Texans
everywhere to recognize Lamesa as the Legendary Home of the
Chicken-Fried Steak; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for the
city as an expression of esteem from the Texas Legislature.