HCR83 - Designating Rusk County as the official Syrup Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

      H.C.R. No. 83       HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION          WHEREAS, For decades, the residents of Rusk County have   embraced the production of ribbon cane syrup as an indelible part of   the community's culture and heritage; and          WHEREAS, Boasting a long growing season, fertile land, and   ample rain, Rusk County provided early settlers with an ideal   location for farming; one of the area's most popular cash crops was   sugarcane, the primary ingredient in ribbon cane syrup, which is   named for the distinct bands of color that run along the stalks of   some varieties of the plant; just one acre of sugarcane farmland   could produce enough of the crop to make 500 to 600 gallons of   syrup; and          WHEREAS, The process of making ribbon cane syrup required the   participation of numerous residents of the community; one person   would hook mules to a sweep that operated the sugarcane crusher, and   older children would feed sugarcane into rollers; a member of the   team would maintain the fire to heat the extracted cane juice while   another would skim the top of the syrup and move it through baffles   with paddles to prevent burning; each task was overseen by a   designated syrup master; and          WHEREAS, The traditional syrup-making process is   demonstrated at Rusk County's annual Heritage Syrup Festival, which   was first held in 1988; taking place on the grounds of the Depot   Museum in Henderson, the popular event attracts some 31,000   visitors to the county each year; attendees have the opportunity to   observe the full production method, with the beloved mules who   power the crusher playing a featured role; the museum also offers a   training course to help ensure that the folk art of syrup making is   passed along to future generations; and          WHEREAS, Rusk County's strong historical association with   ribbon cane syrup has long been a source of great pride for area   residents, and it is indeed deserving of special recognition; now,   therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas   hereby designate Rusk County as the official Syrup Capital of   Texas; and, be it further          RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section   391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in effect   until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally   passed by the legislature.     Shofner       ______________________________ ______________________________      President of the Senate Speaker of the House                   I certify that H.C.R. No. 83 was adopted by the House on May   16, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 124, Nays 0, 2 present, not   voting.     ______________________________   Chief Clerk of the House                 I certify that H.C.R. No. 83 was adopted by the Senate on May   28, 2025, by the following vote:  Yeas 31, Nays 0.     ______________________________   Secretary of the Senate      APPROVED: __________________                   Date                       __________________                 Governor