SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 510
	WHEREAS, The Muy Grande Deer Contest in Freer is celebrating
	its 50th anniversary in 2015, and this milestone provides a fitting
	opportunity to celebrate this exciting and popular event; and
	WHEREAS, The competition traces its history to 1965, when
	its founder, Leonel Garza, was serving as the manager of the
	Center Circle Gas Station; he started the deer-hunting contest as
	a way to draw hunters to his business, and that first year, there
	was only one category, for the widest spread of antlers on a buck;
	when the winner asked what he'd won, Mr. Garza, who hadn't
	planned that far ahead, gave the man his wristwatch; and
	WHEREAS, Named for the size of South Texas deer, the Muy
	Grande Deer Contest is widely considered the oldest big buck contest
	in Texas, and Mr. Garza himself is now known by the nickname "Muy";
	today, the event boasts more than 1,800 lifetime members and annually
	draws more than 900 registered entrants; through the decades, many
	celebrities have participated, including baseball great Nolan Ryan,
	actor Slim Pickens, and musician George Strait; and
	WHEREAS, In recent years, Mr. Garza has been assisted by
	his daughter and son-in-law, Imelda and Kenneth Sharber; the
	contest now encompasses 70 categories, and the annual awards
	ceremony regularly pays tribute to youth hunters, sports
	writers, landowners, and ranch guides; a portion of the proceeds
	each year goes to fund scholarships for local students; and
	WHEREAS, In its first 50 years, the Muy Grande Deer Contest
	has grown from a moment of inspiration by "Muy" Garza into one of
	the signature sporting events of South Texas, and this pioneering
	competition is a source of great pride to the residents of Freer
	and the surrounding area; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
	Legislature, hereby commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Muy
	Grande Deer Contest and extend to the event's staff and participants
	sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
	prepared for the Muy Grande Deer Contest as an expression of high
	regard from the Texas Senate.
	Zaffirini
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on April 9, 2015.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate