HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2002-4739, by Representatives Quall, Morris, Sehlin and Barlean

      WHEREAS, The beautiful Skagit Valley is the tulip capital of the Northwest; and

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

      WHEREAS, The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival begins the festival season in Washington; and

      WHEREAS, This year's 19th annual event will run from April 5‑21, focusing on the communities of Sedro‑Woolley, Burlington, Anacortes, La Conner, Mount Vernon, Concrete, and Conway; and

      WHEREAS, This year's Tulip Festival ambassadors will ably and personably perform their responsibilities as representatives of this festival; and

      WHEREAS, More than half a million people visited the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival last year, participating in the joy and excitement of this annual event, and contributing to the economy of the Skagit Valley; and

      WHEREAS, This year's visitors will be greeted by more than 1,500 acres of tulips reflecting all the colors of the rainbow, by the fullness of life in the valley, and its wonderful people; and

      WHEREAS, Highlights of the event include the Kiwanis Annual Salmon Barbeque, the Tulip Pedal Bike Ride, the Anacortes Quilt Walk, the Downtown Mount Vernon Street Fair, and much more;

      NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives salute the seven 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 State 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 Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Executive Director Audrey Smith and the Tulip Festival Ambassadors.

      I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

      4739 Resolution adopted by the House of Representatives

                          March 13, 2002.

                   _____________________________

                   Cynthia Zehnder, Chief Clerk