TITLE: Recognizing February 17, 2011, as Aransas County Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing February 17, 2011, as Aransas County Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Aransas County are gathering in Austin to celebrate Aransas County Day at the State Capitol on February 17, 2011; and WHEREAS, This region of coastal prairie, marshlands, and sandy beaches was first inhabited by native peoples 8,000 years ago, and early European visitors to the area included the famed shipwreck survivor Cabeza de Vaca and the explorers Alonso De Leon and Diego Ortiz Parrilla; and WHEREAS, In 1828, the Mexican government awarded an empresario grant to James Power and James Hewetson to enable them to bring in settlers from Ireland and Mexico, and not long after the Civil War, the towns of Fulton and Rockport were founded as ports for the cattle business; Aransas County was formed in 1871 and named after Rio Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu, a Spanish palace; and WHEREAS, Today, the county's ample recreational opportunities draw visitors from around the state and nation; the variety of wildlife found in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge includes the whooping crane, javelina, alligators, and white-tailed deer, and the Bird Garden and Wetlands Pond in Rockport and the Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary help preserve a variety of fascinating flora and fauna; and WHEREAS, Rockport Harbor is the home port of many popular boating excursions for birders, dolphin-watchers, and devotees of deep-sea fishing, while the Fulton Harbor Pier and Copano Bay State Fishing Pier offer first-rate opportunities for angling; fresh seafood is available year-round in the area's fine restaurants; and WHEREAS, The county's history is evoked by the fully restored 19th century mansion at the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site, while the Texas Maritime Museum in Rockport celebrates the marine heritage of the Lone Star State; the Rockport Center for the Arts is a hub for the region's thriving cultural scene, which includes such festive annual events as the Bountiful Bowl Pottery Fair, the Fulton Oysterfest, the Rockport Film Festival, and many others; and WHEREAS, Blessed with great natural beauty, a rich history, and a vibrant creative community, Aransas County is one of the treasures of the Lone Star State, and its citizens may indeed take great pride in their heritage as they look forward to a future filled with opportunity; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 17, 2011, as Aransas County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful visit to Austin. Hunter Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 136 was adopted by the House on February 17, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House