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 24th annual festival will run from April 1st
through April 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 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, William Hovenden
and Bethany Sybrandy, will ably and personably perform their
responsibilities as representatives of the festival; and
WHEREAS, Highlights of the event include the Kiwanis Club's 19th
Annual Salmon Barbeque, the 27th Annual Tulip Pedal bike ride, the
Anacortes Quilt Walk, the Downtown Mount Vernon Street Fair, the 2nd
Annual Hospice Tour De Fleur, and much more;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate
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 Senate 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 Secretary of the Senate to Skagit Valley
Tulip Festival Executive Director Cindy Verge and the Tulip Festival
Ambassadors.