89R15428 HMR-D By: Hughes S.C.R. No. 31 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION WHEREAS, The one-of-a-kind sweets shops found in downtown Mineola have made the city a popular destination for residents and visitors alike; and WHEREAS, Mineola's downtown has grown into a popular shopping and dining area that epitomizes the town's abundant charm; home to unique stores, famous restaurants, and historic buildings, it is also renowned for the tasty treats made in-house by several local merchants; and WHEREAS, The community's world-class sweets shops include Grandma Cleda's Gourmet Candy & Gifts, the Mineola Fudge Shop at Between Friends, Bryan's Cheesecakes, FarmHouse Fried Pies, and Bluebonnet Bakery; between them, these establishments offer a range of pies, cakes, cookies, fudge, lemon bars, ice cream, milkshakes, malts, and peanut and pecan brittles; in addition to gaining a faithful following in the local area, Mineola's sweets shops have been featured on television, in magazines, and in online media, and some of the businesses ship their products nationwide; and WHEREAS, Mineola has long been renowned for special celebrations and was designated as the City of Festivals by the 72nd Texas Legislature in 1991; while such events as Fiesta de Mayo and the Iron Horse Heritage Festival remain beloved annual traditions, the city's stature as an epicenter for sweets stores has become an increasingly prominent draw in recent years; and WHEREAS, The unique and delectable sweets sold in downtown Mineola have made the city a favorite among dessert lovers, and the town's bountiful selection of sugary delights plays an important role in the culture and sense of community shared by its citizens; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate Mineola as the official Sweets Capital of Texas, replacing the city's previous designation as the City of Festivals; and, be it further RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section 391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally passed by the legislature.