TITLE: Recognizing February 26 and 27, 2025, as Grand Prairie Days.

SUMMARY: Recognizing February 26 and 27, 2025, as Grand Prairie Days.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Proud citizens and community leaders from Grand Prairie are visiting the State Capitol on February 26 and 27, 2025, and this occasion offers a welcome opportunity to honor this vibrant North Texas city; and WHEREAS, Located west of downtown Dallas in Dallas, Tarrant, and Ellis Counties, Grand Prairie traces its roots back to 1863, when A. M. Dechman's wagon broke down on his trip from Jacksonville, Texas, to Fort Belknap with supplies for the army commissary; he traded his broken wagon, ox team, and $200 for a 239-acre tract of land; and WHEREAS, The community became known as Deckman, or Dechman, when a post office was constructed in 1874, and the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway brought additional growth; the railroad company had already started referring to the town as "Grand Prairie," which officially became the city's name in 1877; Grand Prairie was incorporated in 1902, and the area experienced a significant boom during the Second World War, when a military flight training center and an aircraft production factory were established nearby, bringing the city's population from 1,595 to approximately 18,000; and WHEREAS, Today, Grand Prairie is home to more than 200,000 residents, and as part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, it is in one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation; the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce has played an important role in enhancing the city's economic vitality and quality of life and in promoting, strengthening, and expanding its business community; and WHEREAS, Residents and visitors alike benefit from the community's many popular attractions, including the Lynn Creek Park and Marina, the Grand Prairie Historical Museum, Asia Times Square, and the Hong Kong Market; the city also hosts a number of annual events, such as the Dragon Boat Festival, the Prairie Lights Christmas display, and the Gathering at the Village; with 52 parks and 6 lake areas, outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the city for such activities as hiking, water sports, and camping; and WHEREAS, Acknowledging their rich history as they work to build an even brighter future, the citizens of Grand Prairie are justifiably proud of their community, and it is indeed fitting to honor their contributions to the story of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby recognize February 26 and 27, 2025, as Grand Prairie Days at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting delegation. Johnson, West President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 27, 2025.