85R28759 JGH-D
By: Dean H.C.R. No. 138
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The 40th annual Great Texas Balloon Race is taking
place in Longview from July 28-30, 2017, and this milestone year
provides a fitting opportunity to reflect on the event's rich
history; and
WHEREAS, This renowned balloon race had its start in 1978,
when Dr. Bill Bussey, a hot air balloon pilot who held more than a
dozen world records, agreed to use his balloon to promote the grand
opening of the Longview Mall; in return, the mall's managers
supported him in establishing a race, and the following year, 20
balloons were launched from the mall parking lot; and
WHEREAS, More local businesses soon joined in the effort to
make the affair a success, and in 1981, Dr. Bussey and his fellow
pilots originated the popular "balloon glow," an evening attraction
featuring tethered balloons lit from within, creating the effect of
giant lanterns flickering in the night; this popular tradition has
since been repeated yearly and replicated at balloon events all
over the world; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Great Texas Balloon Race is based at the
East Texas Regional Airport, with pilots competing for the Texas
State Championship title and, this year, for the Southwest Regional
Championship title; from 2012 to 2015, the event was also the host
site for the Balloon Federation of America National Championship
contest; one of the most highly anticipated races of the weekend is
the Controlled Navigational Trajectory Event, now known as the
Fly-in, or the ring toss, where balloonists try to steer their
balloon toward a 12-inch ring atop a 20-foot pole; over its 40-year
history, the race has awarded more than $1.5 million in prize money
to competing pilots; and
WHEREAS, Every summer, Longview and the surrounding
communities welcome the best hot air balloon pilots from across the
nation and around the world, as well as tens of thousands of
spectators, and in 2013, the 83rd Texas Legislature declared Gregg
County the Balloon Race Capital of Texas; and
WHEREAS, For 40 years, this spectacular competition has
brought great pride to the Gregg County community while thrilling
residents and visitors alike with the unforgettable sight of vivid,
colorful balloons soaring against the East Texas sky; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby commemorate the 40th annual Great Texas Balloon Race and
extend to all those associated with the competition sincere best
wishes for a meaningful and memorable event; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Great Texas Balloon Race as an expression of high
regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.