WHEREAS, Every April, the tulips are in bloom, celebrating the beginning of spring; and
     WHEREAS, The beautiful Skagit Valley is the Northwest's tulip capital and the number 1 producer of tulip bulbs in North America; and
     WHEREAS, The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival kicks off the festival season in Washington; and
     WHEREAS, Nearly half a million people visited the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival last year, participating in the joy and excitement of the event, and contributing to the economy of the Skagit Valley; and
     WHEREAS, This year's 23rd annual festival will run from April 1 through 30, focusing on the communities of Sedro Woolley, Burlington, Anacortes, La Conner, Mount Vernon, Concrete, and Conway; and
     WHEREAS, Visitors will be greeted by more than 750 acres of tulips reflecting all the vibrant colors of the rainbow, by the fullness of life in the valley, and by its wonderful people; and
     WHEREAS, This year's Tulip Festival ambassadors will ably and personably perform their responsibilities as representatives of this festival; and
     WHEREAS, Highlights of the event include the Kiwanis Club's 18th Annual Salmon Barbeque, the 26th Annual Tulip Pedal bike ride, the Anacortes Quilt Walk, the Downtown Mount Vernon Street Fair, the first Hospice Tour de Fleur, and much more;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate salute all the communities of the Skagit Valley, their chambers of commerce, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Ambassadors, and the Tulip Festival Committee; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate commend the community leaders and corporate sponsors for the success of this important event and encourage citizens from across Washington to take the time to enjoy this spectacular display; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Executive Director Cindy Verge and the Tulip Festival Ambassadors.