[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 59 (Tuesday, May 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE PASADENA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 1998

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Pasadena 
Strawberry Festival as it celebrates its 25th anniversary, kicking off 
this year's festival with an opening ceremony at the Pasadena 
Fairgrounds on May 15, 1998. The multi-cultural event draws a crowd of 
more than 30,000 to enjoy the strawberries, entertainment, food, 
activities and fun.
  The Strawberry Festival began in 1974 when Helen Alexander, better 
known as Miss Helen, ``planted a seed'' to promote the grand opening of 
the new Pasadena Historical Museum. The Museum project was close to her 
heart and she wanted the opening to be a memorable success. She sought 
a way to capture the imagination and attention of all the people of 
Pasadena and thus was born Miss Helen's Magic Festival Seed.
  The seed Miss Helen planted grew into today's Pasadena Strawberry 
Festival, named to honor Pasadena's heritage as the Strawberry Capitol 
of the World. Rosalie Kuntz was the first chairman and Sterling Loomis, 
vice-chairman. Miss Helen asked the San Jacinto Day Foundation for 
help, but otherwise recruited volunteers and donations whenever 
possible: A.C. Czigan at Houston Lighting and Power provided free 
electrical hook up; Don Nichols of the Pasadena Citizen arranged for a 
special section featuring the event and the museum; Oaks TV and C.A. 
Spears donated the sound system; Bob Jones' Vending Company donated 
beverages; and Jimmy Harris from the Parks Department pitched in to 
help. Principal Lonnie Keller agreed to allow the use of the football 
practice field at Pasadena High School as the festival site.
  It was a modest, but highly successful beginning with approximately 
30 booths, each decorated with pride and enthusiasm. In the long 
tradition of festivals, there was a Beauty Pageant. In an interesting 
twist, however, only redheads and strawberry blondes could enter. It 
was a hit from the beginning.
  When the museum opened on Festival day, the American Legion donated a 
flag and presided over flag ceremonies and the mayor cut the ribbon. 
From the large turnout, it was obvious that the Festival could be a 
very successful annual event for the community. Miss Helen and her 
associate Beverly Jackson realized the economic benefits and historical 
significance this event could have for the entire area so they 
registered the San Jacinto Day Foundation as a nonprofit historical 
organization. The Foundation fosters the observance of San Jacinto Day 
and the Strawberry Festival and continues to grow and help the city of 
Pasadena.
  Today the Pasadena Strawberry Festival is a two-and-a-half day multi-
cultural event produced by hundreds of volunteers on the Pasadena 
Fairgrounds. Continuous live entertainment, arts and crafts, children's 
games, carnival rides, a fabulous variety of foods, special acts and 
demonstrations, and of course, ``Texas' Largest Strawberry Shortcake,'' 
are just a few of the Festival's features. Income from the festival 
funds scholarships, books for college libraries, and community projects 
that preserve and promote the study of Texas history.
  The Pasadena Strawberry Festival is big and exciting, but still 
maintains the warm, country charm of the original Festival. Most of 
all, the Festival remains true to its roots, reflecting the history and 
rich heritage of Pasadena.

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