TITLE: Designating Denton as the official Halloween Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

SUMMARY: Designating Denton as the official Halloween Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Each October, the City of Denton transforms into a playground for lovers of all things Halloween, with an array of fun and spooky activities; and WHEREAS, The 31 Days of Denton Halloween event expands the celebration of the holiday into a month-long extravaganza of seasonal fun for residents and visitors of all ages; it features a variety of exciting and immersive experiences at over a dozen themed locations; the city's historic downtown serves as the center of the action, and an impressive crowd of more than 660,000 people turned out during the debut observance in 2024; and WHEREAS, The 31 Days of Denton Halloween festival evokes a sense of nostalgia, paying homage to the cherished traditions that have kept the magic of the holiday alive for generations; among the activities taking place are Halloween movie nights, a pumpkin carving contest, a block party and pumpkin drop, a themed scavenger hunt, and interactive storytelling sessions; this delightful event also serves as a showcase for the city's vibrant art scene, and participants can enjoy seasonal treat offerings and a range of one-of-a-kind attractions; and WHEREAS, By joining together for 31 Days of Denton Halloween, area residents have created a uniquely festive tradition that is beloved by young and old alike, and the enthusiasm with which the city has embraced the holiday makes it deserving of special legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate Denton as the official Halloween Capital of Texas, replacing the city's previous designation as the Redbud Capital of Texas; 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. Hayes President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 86 was adopted by the House on May 7, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 115, Nays 21, 6 present, not voting. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 86 was adopted by the Senate on May 14, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor