TITLE: Commemorating the 2011 DFW Dragon Boat, Kite, and Lantern Festival in Irving.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 2011 DFW Dragon Boat, Kite, and Lantern Festival in Irving.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The fifth annual DFW Dragon Boat, Kite, and Lantern Festival is being held on May 15, 2011, in Irving; and WHEREAS, This festive gathering features dragon boat races, kite making and flying, lantern displays, traditional Asian food, dance performances, and martial arts demonstrations; the event is hosted by the Marco Polo World Foundation, a nonprofit organization that seeks to promote the sport of dragon boating, to celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, and to enhance cultural understanding among area residents; and WHEREAS, Supported by numerous community volunteers and sponsors, the festival has been held each year since 2007 and has rapidly grown in popularity, with more than 15,000 people expected to attend in 2011; at last year's event, 36 teams and over 800 individuals entered the race, including Boy Scout groups, city, corporate, and community teams, and professional dragon boaters, all of them drawn by the excitement and the cooperative nature of the sport; and WHEREAS, Each year the DFW Dragon Boat, Kite, and Lantern Festival contributes to greater awareness and good fellowship among citizens of the Metroplex, and this rich cultural experience is indeed a testament to the vibrant diversity of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 2011 Dragon Boat, Kite, and Lantern Festival and extend to the organizers and attendees sincere best wishes for a successful and memorable event; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Marco Polo World Foundation as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Button Harper-Brown Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 616 was adopted by the House on March 10, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House