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