[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 196 (Wednesday, November 29, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5671-S5672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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         50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DICKENS ON THE STRAND FESTIVAL

 Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, Texas is home to many unique 
festivals that celebrate the food, music, and culture that have shaped 
our State. This year marks the 50th anniversary of an event ``Texas 
Monthly'' once dubbed ``one of the most beloved and bizarre holiday 
traditions in Texas''--Dickens on the Strand.
  Each December, the Galveston Historical Foundation hosts the Dickens 
on the Strand Festival, which celebrates the life and work of renowned 
novelist Charles Dickens. Throughout its history, this holiday festival 
has played a critical role in revitalizing and restoring the Strand 
National Historic Landmark District. This year's festival is expected 
to welcome more than 50,000 guests to the island.
  Though Charles Dickens never set foot in Galveston, his descendants 
have attended the festival every year since 1986, and this year will be 
no exception.

[[Page S5672]]

Eight descendants of Charles Dickens are expected to attend this year's 
festival and provide readings of Dickens' work.
  The festival also honors our proud and historic ties between Texas 
and the United Kingdom. In 1846, the first British Consulate in the 
Lone Star State was established in Galveston, and it remained open 
until 1939. The Second British Consul-General to Texas, Arthur Lynn, is 
buried in Galveston's City Cemetery.
  I am pleased that the British Consulate-General in Houston will be 
the presenting sponsor for this year's festival. Events will take place 
in multiple locations across the city, including the Salute to Sunset 
on the Official Tall Ship of Texas, the Elissa, which was built in the 
United Kingdom.
  Galveston's holiday tradition has won 24 International Festival and 
Events Association Pinnacle Awards in its history. It has also brought 
much happiness and pride to the community and the visitors who come to 
take part in the celebration.
  Congratulations to all involved in organizing the 50th Dickens on The 
Strand Festival, and I wish all of its guests, staff, and honorees a 
very successful weekend.

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