83R11513 JGH-D
By: Springer H.C.R. No. 83
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, St. Patrick's Day is commemorated every year by
people of Irish ancestry all over the world, and each March for
nearly 75 years, the city of Shamrock in the Panhandle has drawn
countless visitors for its celebration of all things Irish; and
WHEREAS, Named by immigrant sheep rancher George Nickel in
honor of his native land, Shamrock is home to an annual
St. Patrick's Day gathering that was started in 1938 by Glen Truax,
the town's bandmaster; sponsored by the Shamrock Booster Club, the
first festival was a success, featuring 12 bands and drawing
several thousand people; and
WHEREAS, The festival continued to grow until it was put on
hold during World War II; revived by the American Legion and the
Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1950, it was canceled again in 1951
because of the Korean War, but in 1952, the Shamrock Chamber of
Commerce took over the event, and it has continued to be held
throughout the ensuing years; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Shamrock St. Patrick's Day festival
lasts several days, starting with a kickoff banquet and a dance,
followed by such events as a carnival, a fun run, an arts and crafts
exhibition, a vintage car show, an Old Settlers reunion, a Donegal
beard-growing competition, and the crowning of Miss Irish Rose, all
done with a distinctively Hibernian flair; and
WHEREAS, Every spring, the Shamrock St. Patrick's Day event
combines the best of Irish and Texas high spirits, making it one of
the most unique and colorful community celebrations in the Lone
Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate the Shamrock St. Patrick's Day Celebration as the
official St. Patrick's Day Celebration for the State of Texas.