[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 98 (Wednesday, June 8, 2022)]
[House]
[Page H5345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1115
      CELEBRATING THE SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF ENNIS, TEXAS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Ellzey) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. ELLZEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 
sesquicentennial celebration of the city of Ennis, Texas, founded on 
June 8, 1872.
  When the railroad was expanded from Houston to St. Louis in 1872, 
many of the workers found solace and community in what we know today as 
Ennis.
  The railroad workers were drawn to the area's bluebonnets and cotton 
fields. The appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds this 
Texas town still runs deep in the community.
  Through the years, Ennis has grown as an agricultural and industrial 
community, attracting residents and visitors, which has earned it the 
title of the ``Official Bluebonnet City'' of our State.
  Ennis is known for more than just its bluebonnets. It is also the 
hosting city of the National Polka Festival. The National Polka 
Festival began in 1967 and attracts as many as 50,000 people to the 
town.
  Ennis is also home to the Texas Motorplex, where national records 
have been set and speed milestones have been broken. My family and I 
have been able to witness some truly remarkable races there.
  It is places like these that make Texas proud. The events and venues 
of Ennis, Texas proudly promote Texas values by providing a family 
atmosphere and cultivating community outreach.
  Strolling along the historic district of Ennis, one can experience 
plentiful restaurants and shopping options. When entering any store, 
you are kindly greeted. Families and neighbors welcome each other with 
open arms. The hospitality of Ennis is seen through these interactions, 
and it becomes evident why the citizens of Ennis take so much pride in 
their town.
  Ennis has encompassed many of our Texan values, including community 
and family, and has shown Texas pride for the past 150 years. I am 
proud and honored to represent the people of Ennis in the Sixth 
Congressional District of Texas. I look forward to what the next 150 
years brings to the great city of Ennis.

                          ____________________