TITLE: Commemorating the annual Arlington Holiday Lights Parade.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the annual Arlington Holiday Lights Parade.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The City of Arlington is hosting its annual Holiday Lights Parade, providing a fitting opportunity to pay tribute to this longstanding community celebration; and WHEREAS, Arlington's first Christmas tree lighting event, which was held in 1993, featured a musical revue, and over the next decade, the city experimented with different ways of bringing Santa to town, including riding in on a longhorn steer, rappelling off the roof of city hall, and arriving by helicopter; and WHEREAS, In 2002, the city staged the first Parade of Lights with the assistance of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and the 4th of July Parade Association; by 2004, the annual event encompassed nearly 60 parade participants, as well as strolling carolers, musical performances, and a laser light show, culminating in the lighting of the Christmas tree; and WHEREAS, Now officially known as the Holiday Lights Parade, the event draws thousands of people each year, and it features more than 100 parade entries, including elaborate floats, a marching band, acrobats, and other participants; the celebration begins in the afternoon with music and food vendors as well as games for children, followed by the parade and tree-lighting ceremony, after which children have the opportunity to have their pictures taken with Santa; the evening is capped with an outdoor screening of a holiday film; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, the Arlington Holiday Lights Parade has brought citizens together in fellowship and merriment, and it is indeed a pleasure to join in marking this cherished community tradition; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commemorate the annual Arlington Holiday Lights Parade and extend to all those in attendance sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable event. Turner of Tarrant Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 122 was adopted by the House on October 14, 2021, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House