HR414: HR414 Duluth Fall Festival; commend

25 LC 112 3178 House Resolution 414 By: Representatives Beckles of the 96th, McClain of the 109th, Okoye of the 102nd, Mitchell of the 88th, Romman of the 97th, and others A RESOLUTION Commending the Duluth Fall Festival; and for other purposes.1 WHEREAS, the Duluth Fall Festival has been a cherished annual tradition since its founding2 in 1983, fostering community spirit, volunteerism, and civic engagement; and3 WHEREAS, over the past 41 years, the festival has made a lastin g impact on the City of4 Duluth by raising and donating more than two million dollars to support local projects,5 nonprofits, and community initiatives; and6 WHEREAS, the festival's contributions include the construction of the Duluth Festival7 Center, a 1.3 million-dollar event venue that was gifted back to the city, as well as numerous8 enhancements and donations benefiting local organizations and schools, representing more9 than $250,000 in cumulative contributions; and10 WHEREAS, the Duluth Fall Festival has earned national recogniti on for its excellence,11 including being named the fifth-greatest festival in the nation by Country Living magazine,12 ranking among the top 26 festivals in the country according to U.S. News & World Report13 in 2015, and receiving the Southeast Festivals and Events Association's award for Best Large14 Festival in the Southeastern United States in 2016; and15 H. R. 414 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3178 WHEREAS, as additional testament to the festival's exemplary operation, Best of Gwinnett16 magazine has recognized the event as the best local festival in Gwinnett County every year17 since 2009; and18 WHEREAS, entirely volunteer-driven, the festival relies on more than 300 dedicated19 volunteers who contribute their time and efforts to ensure its continued success; and20 WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the Duluth Fall Festival be recognized21 for its enduring contributions to the City of Duluth and its co mmitment to community22 enrichment.23 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that24 the members of this body commend the Duluth Fall Festival for its outstanding contributions25 to the community and its role in strengthening civic pride, economic development, and local26 engagement as well as extend best wishes for continued success.27 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized28 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the29 Duluth Fall Festival.30 H. R. 414 - 2 -