TITLE: Honoring Fiesta San Antonio 2011 and commending the event's organizers.

SUMMARY: Honoring Fiesta San Antonio 2011 and commending the event's organizers.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Each April, Fiesta San Antonio draws over three million visitors to what has become the biggest festival held in the city of San Antonio and one of the largest events in Texas; and WHEREAS, The 120th anniversary of Fiesta is taking place this year, in an 11-day celebration from April 7 through 17; the festival commemorates the Battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto and the birth of the State of Texas and pays tribute to the rich cultural and multiethnic heritage of the Alamo City; the area nonprofit organizations that stage the more than 100 Fiesta events held around the city include churches, schools, arts groups, health organizations, athletic associations, and many others; local units of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines offer their support to many of these gatherings while also presenting events of their own; and WHEREAS, The festival is famed for a number of signature celebrations: the Battle of Flowers Parade, which is known as the "grandmother" of Fiesta events, the Fiesta Flambeau Parade, which is thought to be the largest illuminated parade in the country, the Texas Cavaliers River Parade, in which the floats really float, and "A Night in Old San Antonio," which honors the city's heritage with food and live music; and WHEREAS, Fiesta San Antonio generates an economic impact in the community of more than $284 million; an undertaking of this magnitude depends on the efforts of many volunteers, and over 75,000 individuals donate their time and talents to organizing the event; deserving of special recognition are the officers and staff of the Fiesta San Antonio Commission, including president Sam Bell Steves II, president-elect Evangelina Flores, senior vice president Marilyn Eldridge, vice president Fernando Reyes, vice president Cristina Gonzales, treasurer Carolyn Cohen, secretary Jack Hebdon, presidential appointee Marcie Ince, immediate past president Mary Begia, and executive director Chuck Blische; and WHEREAS, Fiesta San Antonio brings together people from all walks of life to join in a spirited celebration of the city's rich history, culture, and traditions; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby honor Fiesta San Antonio 2011 and commend the many outstanding groups and individuals who make the event a success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Fiesta San Antonio Commission as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. McClendon Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1235 was adopted by the House on April 14, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House