[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 96 (Thursday, June 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING ALLEN USA FOR UNITING FREEDOM, FAMILIES, AND FUN

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 24, 2010

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Allen USA for uniting freedom, families, and fun. It's hometown events 
that promote quality together time while celebrating the bounty of 
America that make Texas a great place to call home. We're proud to 
remind folks that we're the land of the free because of the brave! My 
hat is off to the great folks at the City of Allen and Allen Parks 
Foundation who make Allen USA a success year after year. Below is 
information detailing this worthy celebration. It is an honor to be a 
part of it. God bless you all and I salute you one and all.

       Produced as a cooperative effort between the City of Allen 
     and the Allen Parks Foundation, the Allen USA celebration is 
     Allen's largest and most spectacular community event to say 
     the least! Centered around the theme of being ``First to the 
     Fourth'', Allen USA serves as the community's Fourth of July 
     celebration, uniquely held the last Saturday of June every 
     year. Being the last Saturday in June allows the event to be 
     a stand out among area cities' celebrations and promotes 
     attendance locally, regionally and state-wide.
       Allen USA began in 1995, taking place in the intimate 
     surroundings of Bethany Lakes Park and Joe Farmer Recreation 
     Center amphitheater. An estimated 5,000 people attended the 
     first event complete with fireworks, a thrilling laser show 
     and entertainment provided by the Allen Civic Chorus and 
     other local talent.
       The phenomenal success from these humble beginnings led the 
     event to move to a larger venue at Allen Station Park. 
     Attendance grew to more than 20,000 as the entertainment 
     included national recording artists such as Jerry Jeff 
     Walker, Vince Vance and the Valiants, and others.
       In 2003, Allen USA exploded in attendance with a move to 
     Allen's new 106 acre Celebration Park. Since that time, the 
     event has grown to a regular attendance of up to 65,000 
     people and has included national recording artists such as 
     Survivor, JT Taylor from Kool and the Gang, Eddie Money, 38 
     Special and Three Dog Night to name a few.
       There is truly something for everyone at Allen USA! A 
     number of concessionaires will be on site selling all of your 
     favorite festival foods and snacks. The Kids Zone hosts a 
     multitude of bounce houses and play structures for children 
     to enjoy. The Activity Zone provides fun and exciting 
     entertainment for children and youth of all ages.
       This year our Main Stage will be rockin' with the tunes of 
     the Commodores and, after what promises to be an exciting 
     performance, the evening ends with one of the largest 
     fireworks shows set to music in North Texas! And did we 
     mention . . . admission is FREE!
       Allen USA also gives back to the community! A number of 
     civic organizations support the event through countless 
     volunteer hours to sell soft drinks, souvenirs and assist 
     with festival activities. The event returns back to them a 
     portion of the proceeds for their hard work and support!
       Many people have said that it's the memories they create at 
     Allen USA that keeps them coming back year after year. The 
     family friendly reputation of this event is what grabs 
     other's attention to attend for the first time! But 
     regardless of why people attend, at the end of the night, the 
     smiles say it all! So come party in the park with us . . . 
     you'll be glad you did!''

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