TO RECOGNIZE THE FOURTH ANNUAL SOUTH CAROLINA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL AND TO COMMEND THIS OUTSTANDING AND INNOVATIVE EVENT THAT BRILLIANTLY SHOWCASES THE TOWN OF FORT MILL AND THE PALMETTO STATE.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to learn that the Fourth Annual South Carolina Strawberry Festival will be held at the Walter Y. Elisha Park in Fort Mill from 6:00 to 10:00 on Friday evening, May 3, and from 10:00 in the morning until 10:00 in the evening on Saturday, May 4, 2013; and

Whereas, the mission of the South Carolina Strawberry Festival is to showcase the Town of Fort Mill by providing a venue where residents and visitors can come together in an entertaining, safe, and family-friendly atmosphere; and

Whereas, for two consecutive years, the festival has been recognized as the South Carolina Event of the Year, promoting tourism, encouraging economic development, enhancing the quality of life, and fostering a greater sense of pride in the Fort Mill community; and

Whereas, with an attendance of almost fifty thousand, the event increases sponsorship opportunities, exposure to potential customers, free advertising for participating businesses and organizations, and foot traffic in Fort Mill; and

Whereas, Kids Zone rides and activities will be available during the event, and the community stage will be the venue for free outdoor concerts, all of which will form the Strawberry Jam; and

Whereas, not to deny the culinary delights provided by the luscious focus of the festival, contests based on the fruit will include strawberry ice cream-eating contests, strawberry shortcake-eating contests, and a Berry the Competition Recipe Contest; and

Whereas, the festival will host vendors of food and beverages, arts and crafts, and a variety of local businesses; and the activities provided by the organizers will include a car show, petting zoo, fireworks display, and pig races; and

Whereas, attendees will also have the pleasure of meeting the newly crowned 2013 Strawberry Queens; and

Whereas, the members of the House of Representatives appreciate the platform that the South Carolina Strawberry Festival affords for visitors to observe first-hand the beauty and business of the Town of Fort Mill and of our great State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize the Fourth Annual South Carolina Strawberry Festival and commend this outstanding and innovative event that brilliantly showcases the Town of Fort Mill and the Palmetto State.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the Fourth Annual South Carolina Strawberry Festival.