Ennis

Ennis was designated the official bluebonnet city of Texas in 1997 (bluebonnet is the state flower). The legislation also designates the Ennis Bluebonnet Trail as the official state bluebonnet trail of the state.

House Concurrent Resolution

WHEREAS, In April 1997, thousands of residents and visitors alike will gather in Chappell Hill for one of our state's most popular and colorful yearly events, the 33rd Annual Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival; and

WHEREAS, A much anticipated celebration of spring, the festival honors the spectacular bluebonnets that grace the community of Chappell Hill each April with their seasonal display of eye‑catching blooms; and

WHEREAS, This popular event is sponsored by the Chappell Hill Historical Society, and it began in 1964 as the Bluebonnet Antique Show; the festival became known by its present name in 1983, and it currently offers fun‑filled activities for the entire family, including a hayride through the community's historic district and abundant opportunities to shop for distinctive wares and furniture from arts, crafts, and antique vendors; and

WHEREAS, The Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival will provide a time for many citizens to set aside the cares of daily life and enjoy the flowering beauty of our Texas spring; this well‑loved event continues to be a splendid addition to our state's array of recreational opportunities and is truly deserving of legislative praise and support; and

WHEREAS, In 1951 the Ennis Garden Club established its first Bluebonnet Trail of Texas, mapping certain locales in the City of Ennis and the area surrounding the city, thus sharing its bounty of this unique Texas wildflower; these mapped trails have grown to encompass more than 40 miles where the thousands of visitors may be enthralled for two consecutive weekends in April each year by the spectacular fields of bluebonnets that grow so bountifully in the area; the City of Ennis has gained renown for having the official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas; an added attraction to those visiting during the weekends of the Bluebonnet Trail is an antique show and sale that attracts vendors from five neighboring states and benefits the Ennis Heritage Society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That Ennis be declared the official Bluebonnet Trail of Texas and that Ennis be designated the Bluebonnet City of Texas because of the 46 years it has been associated with the official wildflower of Texas and the faithful efforts of the Ennis Garden Club in preserving our state wildflower for all to enjoy; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That the 75th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby designate the Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Festival as the official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas and commend all those associated with the event for their hard work in ensuring its success.