H.R. No. 1553 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Proud residents of Dripping Springs are celebrating the town's 30th annual Founders Day Festival from April 21 to 23, 2017; and WHEREAS, Founders Day honors three families from Mississippi, those of Dr. Joseph and Sarah Pound, John and Indiana Moss, and John and Malvina Wallace, who made this area their home in 1854; early residents of the community initially engaged in subsistence farming, but by 1884 agriculture had expanded and Dripping Springs had acquired a steam gristmill and a cotton gin; the wool and mohair industry subsequently played an important role in the local economy and continued to do so into the 1970s; and WHEREAS, Incorporated in August 1981, Dripping Springs is today a popular tourist destination, noted especially for its breweries, wineries, and distilleries; the community also hosts more than 1,000 weddings each year, and in 2015, the 84th Texas Legislature officially declared Dripping Springs the Wedding Capital of Texas; and WHEREAS, Hosted by the City of Dripping Springs and the Founders Day Commission, the Founders Day celebration features a parade, a carnival, musical performances, street dances, arts and crafts displays, and cook-off competitions; proceeds directly benefit local churches, school and park programs, youth groups, and charities; and WHEREAS, Delighting both residents and visitors alike, this highly anticipated event is the product of countless volunteer hours and a robust community spirit, and it is a pleasure to join in paying tribute to the rich heritage that it celebrates; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 30th annual Founders Day Festival in Dripping Springs and extend to its organizers, volunteers, performers, and guests sincere best wishes for an exciting and memorable event. Isaac ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1553 was adopted by the House on May 4, 2017, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House