Reps. Stewart, Adamini, Anderson, Brown, Byrum, Caswell, Caul, Dennis, DeRossett, Ehardt, Elkins, Farhat, Garfield, Gieleghem, Gillard, Gleason, Hager, Hopgood, Jamnick, Koetje, Kooiman, Law, Lipsey, Meyer, Minore, Newell, Pappageorge, Pumford, Richardville, Rivet, Sak, Shaffer, Shulman, Spade, Vagnozzi, Vander Veen, Voorhees, Waters, Woodward, Zelenko, Murphy, Kolb, LaJoy and Phillips offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 162.

            A resolution to commemorate the week of November 1-8, 2003, as Michigan Festivals and Events Week.

            Whereas, The Michigan Festivals and Events Association, the largest state event association in the nation with more than 750 members statewide, recognizes and is dedicated to supporting and promoting Michigan festivals, fairs, events, attractions and tourism; and

            Whereas, Michigan festivals, fairs and events provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to celebrate the culture, history, agriculture and maritime heritage of the Great Lakes State year-round; and

            Whereas, Such events bring hosting communities together through the planning of and attendance at these civic celebrations, providing opportunities for community volunteers to discover, develop and display their skills and talents; and

            Whereas, Travel to communities and surrounding regions is stimulated by festivals, fairs, and events, generating community growth and prosperity from these tourism dollars, as well as broadening knowledge of the area’s cultural and recreational resources; and

            Whereas, Michigan festivals, fairs and cultural events annually attract more than 35 million attendees, many of whom are family groups, from around the globe who contribute nearly $1 billion each year to Michigan’s economy; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate November 1-8, 2003, as Michigan Festivals and Events Week, and encourage all citizens of and visitors to Michigan to support and celebrate with us the hundreds of community festivals, fairs and events; and be it further

            Resolved, That we recognize and thank the thousands of dedicated and tireless staff and volunteers for the work that they do within their communities to bring these events to the public, enriching our lives and creating the spirit that is Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be provided to every municipality in the state of Michigan.