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 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.