HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2015-4620, by Representatives Scott, Kristiansen, Hayes, and Lytton

WHEREAS, Every April the tulips are in bloom, signaling the beginning of spring; and

WHEREAS, The beautiful Skagit Valley is the Northwest tulip capital and the top producer of tulip bulbs in North America; and

WHEREAS, Hundreds of thousands of people visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival each year, enjoying the excitement and beauty of the event while contributing to the local economy; and

WHEREAS, Festival visitors are greeted by more than 700 acres of tulips painting the land every color of the rainbow, the vibrant life of the valley, and the valley's charming people; and

WHEREAS, Highlights of the festival include the Mount Vernon Street Fair, art shows, bike rides, foot races, and the Skagit Tulip Fly-In and Air Show, as well as displays of Skagit County wineries, Roozengaarde Tulip Farm, Tulip Town, and much more; and

WHEREAS, Tulip Festival ambassadors represent the Skagit Valley and the festival all year by participating in parades and events, and meeting the Governor; and

WHEREAS, Chloe Cunningham of La Conner and Graham Rawson of Conway have been selected as this year's Tulip Festival ambassadors; and

WHEREAS, This year's event is the 31st annual festival, and will run from April 1, 2015 through April 30, 2015;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives commend Skagit Valley communities, their chambers of commerce, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival ambassadors, and the Tulip Festival Committee for their efforts to put on a world-class festival; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives applaud the community leaders and corporate sponsors for the success of the festival, and encourage the citizens of Washington to travel to Skagit Valley for this spectacular event; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Cindy Verge, Executive Director of the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, and Chloe Cunningham and Graham Rawson, Tulip Festival ambassadors.