WHEREAS, Every April, the beautiful Skagit Valley debuts brilliant colors of spring; and
     WHEREAS, The Skagit Valley is the second largest producer of tulips in the world; and
     WHEREAS, Every year, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival involves the communities of Sedro-Woolley, Burlington, Anacortes, La Conner, Mount Vernon, Concrete, Conway, and Upper Skagit Valley; and
     WHEREAS, 2003 will mark the festival's 20th anniversary, and beginning this year the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival will be held during the entire month of April instead of the usual three weekends; and
     WHEREAS, This year's Tulip Festival Ambassadors, Lindsey Oosterhof and Michael Elhardt, will ably and personably perform their responsibilities as representatives of this festival; and
     WHEREAS, Highlights of the festival include the Annual Kiwanis Salmon Barbeque, Downtown Mount Vernon Street Fair, Anacortes Quilt Walk, and much more, including last year's added attraction, the Country Market; 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 Skagit Valley; and
     WHEREAS, This nationally acclaimed celebration creates a spirit of communal pride for residents of Skagit Valley;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives salute the communities of the Skagit Valley, their Chambers of Commerce, the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Ambassadors, Tulip Festival Committee, community leaders, and corporate sponsors for the success of this important event; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage all Washington residents to take time to enjoy this spectacular display, which reflects the fullness of life in the valley and the valley's wonderful people; 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.