SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 398
WHEREAS, On March 16, 2017, dignitaries and citizens from
the City of West are coming to Austin to celebrate West Day at the
State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Established at its present site in 1881 and
officially becoming West nine years later, this small but vibrant
community, which was named after farmer, postmaster, and
businessman Thomas West, retains much of the same charm today
that drew people to the area more than 100 years ago; and
WHEREAS, Among those attracted to this rich farmland were
Czech immigrants who farmed the land, opened businesses, shared
their European culture, and planted roots that are now indelibly
woven into the identity of West; and
WHEREAS, The people of West embrace this heritage, making
the town known and officially designated as the Czech Heritage
Capital of the State of Texas and informally calling it the
"Czech Point of Central Texas"; West is the place to be on Labor
Day weekend for the annual tradition of Westfest, a celebration
of Old World foods, music, arts and crafts, and many other
activities; and
WHEREAS, The citizens of West also share in a proud
heritage of helping one another through difficult times, such as
through the West Fertilizer Company explosion; the citizens
joined together to help their neighbors recover from the tragic
event, and they became noted for their courage and resolve; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the years, West has been a premier stop
for travelers on the I-35 corridor between Dallas and Austin, due
to the bakeries that lure visitors with the promise of kolaches,
which are delicious Czech pastries filled with sweet and savory
ingredients; and
WHEREAS, Home to nearly 3,000 people, West is a small town
with a big can-do attitude; whether it is for the food, the
friendliness, or the largest spring-fed pool in the Lone Star
State, residents of West have much to make them proud; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby recognize March 16, 2017, as West Day at the
State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best
wishes for an enjoyable and memorable visit to Austin.
Birdwell
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 8, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate