TITLE: Congratulating the City of Lamesa on the occasion of its first Original Chicken-Fried Steak Festival.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the City of Lamesa on the occasion of its first Original Chicken-Fried Steak Festival.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Legislature of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the City of Lamesa on the occasion of its first Original Chicken-Fried Steak Festival; and WHEREAS, The City of Lamesa has enjoyed considerable fame as the birthplace of the chicken-fried steak ever since the Austin American-Statesman published a fictional story on January 11, 1976, alleging that the chicken-fried steak was invented in 1911 by a short-order cook named Jimmy Don Perkins at a Lamesa diner called Ethel's Home Cooking; the story contained numerous clues alluding to its satirical nature, yet it was later reported as if it were true by many news outlets; and WHEREAS, Through the years, the story has gained currency as a Texas legend, appearing in such diverse locations as the on-line encyclopedia Wikipedia, Texas Monthly magazine, the Washington Post,and the Texas State Historical Association's Handbook of Texas Online;and WHEREAS, Recognizing a good thing when they see it, Lamesa's city leaders have organized Lamesa's Original Chicken-Fried Steak Festival to pay tribute to this gustatory delight and to raise awareness of its status as an icon of Texas cooking; this outstanding event will feature games and entertainment, a classic car show, and a chicken-fried steak cook-off with celebrity judges; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas hereby extend best wishes for great success to the organizers of Lamesa's Original Chicken-Fried Steak Festival and call on Texans everywhere to recognize Lamesa as the Legendary Home of the Chicken-Fried Steak; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for the city as an expression of esteem from the Texas Legislature.