Thursday, March 28, 2024

City seeks ‘Celebration Capital’ label from Legislature for tourism marketing

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As part of the city’s promotion of its tourism industry, the City Council voted unanimously at its regular meeting Tuesday night to request that the Texas House of Representatives designate Granbury as the “Celebration Capital of Texas.”

The action to adopt a resolution was taken at the request of Visit Granbury Director Tammy Dooley.

Government Code 391.003 details guidelines for the Legislature to assign “place designations” that reflect a location’s historical or cultural significance. The Legislature may not assign the same designation to more than one location. Eighty-nine Texas cities currently have “capital” monikers.

The title lasts for 10 years but may be renewed with a new resolution.

According to a supporting document for the agenda item, Ennis is the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas, the Lake Whitney area is the Getaway Capital of Texas, and Breckenridge is the Mural Capital of Texas. Dooley indicated that the city of Grapevine strongly and successfully markets its designation as the state’s Christmas Capital.

According to Dooley, the idea to seek the designation Celebration Capital of Texas was the result of a more than hourlong discussion among tourism stakeholders who are faithful attendees of Visit Granbury’s weekly Rise and Grind events.

Council member Steven Vale said that he attended that meeting. He praised the efforts of those who participated in the brainstorming and the ideas that were presented.

“I really think this provides Tammy and her team with a great marketing tool for the city,” Vale stated.

Dooley said that the resolution adopted by the council will be presented to State Rep. Shelby Slawson, R-Stephenville, so that she can begin the legislative process to make the label official.