TITLE: Commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Gillespie County Fair in 2013.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Gillespie County Fair in 2013.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The annual Gillespie County Fair is taking place from August 22 to 25, 2013, and the 125th anniversary of this popular event provides an opportune time to honor all those who have contributed to its success; and WHEREAS, One of the oldest continuously held fairs in the Lone Star State, the inaugural Gillespie County Fair was celebrated in 1881, at the site of the former Fort Martin Scott, and except during World War I and World War II, it has been a yearly highlight of the county's cultural calendar; over the decades, the fair has grown and residents of the county and many other communities eagerly anticipate the sights and activities it offers each summer; and WHEREAS, A number of the festivities held during the fair's earliest days continue today; racing has always been one of the most exciting attractions, and through the years spectators have attended horse races, bicycle races, and even a race among three elephants; music has also played an important role, from Carl Beck's Military Band concerts in the 19th century, to the Fredericksburg Centennial Band in 1946, to Darrell McCall and Friends, John Anderson, and Cody Johnson who will all be performing in 2013; in addition, each year since 1949, young ladies from Gillespie County have vied for the opportunity to be crowned as queen of the fair, and the winner will go on to make appearances at parades and other events across the area; this year's celebration will also include Old Time Baseball, a new carnival, livestock shows, and agricultural and home skill exhibits; and WHEREAS, The Gillespie County Fair and Festivals Association facilitates the event and develops programming, with an emphasis on the agricultural industry, to encourage and promote the education of local young people; the group has awarded more than 500 scholarships to deserving youth and has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to students and student programs; with this goal in mind, volunteers, committee members, and the Gillespie County Fair Association Board of Directors perform countless hours of hard work in the months leading up to and during the event; and WHEREAS, Showcasing some of Texas' finest agricultural products and providing entertainment, education, and recreational opportunities, the Gillespie County Fair is a treasured and enduring institution, and it is indeed a pleasure to recognize the fair's organizers for their efforts in behalf of the community; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 125th annual Gillespie County Fair and extend to all those associated with the festival sincere best wishes for a memorable event; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Gillespie County Fair and Festivals Association as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Miller of Comal Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 3135 was adopted by the House on May 27, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House