Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HCR23 Compare Versions

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1	1	By: Simpson (Senate Sponsor - Eltife) H.C.R. No. 23
2	2	(In the Senate - Received from the House April 22, 2013;
3	3	April 29, 2013, read first time and referred to Committee on
4	4	Administration; May 6, 2013, reported favorably by the following
5	5	vote: Yeas 5, Nays 0; May 6, 2013, sent to printer.)
6	6
7	7
8	8	HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
9	9	WHEREAS, During the Great Texas Balloon Race held every
10	10	summer, the skies over Gregg County burst with vivid color as hot
11	11	air balloon pilots from around the country race these graceful
12	12	giants; and
13	13	WHEREAS, This topflight contest originated in 1978 as a
14	14	promotion to advertise the grand opening of Longview Mall; the
15	15	inaugural event featured 20 balloons and was organized by Dr.
16	16	William Bussey, a dentist and renowned hot air balloonist with 29
17	17	U.S. and 14 world records, along with Longview Mall managers
18	18	Frankie Parson Riggins and Mary LeTourneau; in 1981, Dr. Bussey
19	19	pioneered another popular tradition, the balloon glow, a practice
20	20	now copied at celebrations the world over; the glow entails firing
21	21	the burners of tethered hot air balloons so that they glimmer like
22	22	lanterns illuminating the night; and
23	23	WHEREAS, Through the years, the race has changed locations to
24	24	accommodate the number of spectators that come to enjoy the
25	25	weekend's attractions, which have grown to include special shape
26	26	balloons, concerts, arts and crafts, and children's activities;
27	27	Gregg County judge Bill Stoudt was instrumental in garnering
28	28	support for the race from the beginning, and, in 1989, he figured
29	29	prominently in establishing a new fly site at the East Texas
30	30	Regional Airport, then known as the Gregg County Airport, where the
31	31	race continues to take place to this day; and
32	32	WHEREAS, Valued by individuals and businesses across the
33	33	county, the Great Texas Balloon Race is endorsed by the Cities of
34	34	Longview, Kilgore, and Gladewater, and each of those cities'
35	35	chambers of commerce and visitors bureaus; in addition, hundreds of
36	36	local residents volunteer, and tens of thousands of people attend
37	37	the race each year, bringing many visitors to East Texas and
38	38	significantly benefiting the region's economy; and
39	39	WHEREAS, Dozens of balloons will take to the skies for the
40	40	Great Texas Balloon Race in 2013, and because Gregg County was
41	41	selected by the Balloon Federation of America to host the U.S.
42	42	National Championships from 2012 to 2014, this year will also
43	43	showcase the nation's best pilots as they begin their quest for the
44	44	world title; and
45	45	WHEREAS, The race's competitions and entertainment have long
46	46	been a popular attraction for area residents and visitors alike,
47	47	and its significance was formally recognized in 1985 when the
48	48	legislature declared August 19-25 as Great Texas Balloon Race Week
49	49	and Governor Mark White honored Longview as the Balloon Capital of
50	50	Texas by gubernatorial proclamation; and
51	51	WHEREAS, For nearly four decades, skilled hot air balloon
52	52	pilots from the Lone Star State and beyond have joined countless
53	53	enthusiasts in Gregg County to celebrate the Great Texas Balloon
54	54	Race; this cherished tradition has brought majestic beauty,
55	55	thrilling competition, and valuable commerce to the area, and it is
56	56	indeed deserving of official recognition; now, therefore, be it
57	57	RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas
58	58	hereby commemorate the 36th anniversary of the Great Texas Balloon
59	59	Race and declare Gregg County the Balloon Race Capital of Texas.
60	60	* * * * *