TITLE: Recognizing January 31, 2011, as Bosque County Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing January 31, 2011, as Bosque County Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the citizens of Bosque County who have traveled to Austin to celebrate Bosque County Day at the State Capitol on January 31, 2011; and WHEREAS, Bosque County is located in Central Texas, northwest of Waco, and its terrain consists of both flat grasslands and limestone hills; it is named for the Bosque River, which runs through the center of the region; the first permanent settlers in the area arrived in 1849 and soon formed the town of Clifton on the banks of the river; the county was organized in 1854, and the town of Meridian was founded to serve as the county seat; a number of Norwegian immigrants moved to the area in the same decade; and WHEREAS, Early residents made their living by working the fertile land, ranching and growing cotton, wheat, and oats, and agriculture remains important to the county's economy today; a variety of small industries and tourism also contribute to the region's prosperity; and WHEREAS, Visitors and residents alike enjoy the fine opportunities for fishing, swimming, camping, and boating at Lake Whitney and scenic Meridian State Park, and Bosque Valley Golf Club is considered one of the best nine-hole courses in the state; people are also drawn to shopping in Clifton, a Texas Main Street City, where three antique malls feature more than 100 dealers; and WHEREAS, Clifton also has an active arts community; the Bosque Arts Center is a vibrant cultural resource that hosts classes and workshops and includes a permanent collection, and the Bosque Museum is home to the largest selection of Norwegian artifacts in the South and Southwest; Meridian, on the other hand, is known for its invitation-only National Championship Barbecue Cookoff; the county's Scandinavian heritage is celebrated annually with the Norwegian Smorgasbord in the Norse Historic District and with the Norwegian Country Christmas and Lutefisk Dinner; and WHEREAS, Bosque County is truly one of the charming treasures of the Lone Star State, and its residents can take great pride in its rich history as they look forward to a bright future; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby recognize January 31, 2011, as Bosque County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting residents of this fine county sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable stay in Austin; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of Bosque County Day. Birdwell President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 31, 2011.