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 one 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 27th annual festival will run from April 1st through the 30th, 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 700 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, Anna-Marie Alvarado and Blake Gurney, will ably and personably perform their responsibilities as representatives of the festival; and
     WHEREAS, Highlights of the event include the World Tulip Summit, the Mount Vernon Street Fair, PACCAR Open House, Air Show and Fly-in, Skagit County wineries, RoozenGaarde, Tulip Town, art shows, bike rides, foot races, and much more;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives 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 House of Representatives 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 Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Executive Director, Cindy Verge, and the Tulip Festival Ambassadors.