October 1, 2015 - The East Texas Poultry Festival (ETPF) officially opened with the cutting of the feathers by the queen's court and reading of a proclamation by Sid Miller, the 12th Texas Commissioner of Agriculture, at 10am Thursday morning, October 1, 2015 under the Frances Oates Big Tent.
The Center band played the National Anthem followed by the Timpson Elementary students leading everyone in the pledge of allegiance. Jim Sawyer, Poultry Festival chair member, welcomed everyone and introduced City of Center Mayor David Chadwick. Mayor Chadwick addressed the audience welcoming all to the East Texas Poultry Festival and encouraged everyone to enjoy the good weather and festivities. Mayor Chadwick was also excited to introduce Sid Miller who began in term in office in January. Miller started speaking concerning the agriculture industry which is a 15 million dollar industry, "One in 7 jobs in this state is directly or indirectly related to agriculture. It is a big part of this area, timber, poultry, truck farming, cattle, we lead the nation in many categories."
He then read a resolution he had drafted for the city and the county, "From the Texas Department of Agriculture, official proclamation - Whereas, the Texas Department of Agriculture recognizes the importance of Texas Poultry in sustaining Texas status as an agriculture power house. Whereas, Shelby County and the Texas poultry industry have long and sordid history of supporting each other through vital partnerships that benefit the agriculture industry, local community, and state as a whole. Whereas, the poultry industry supports more than 1,500 jobs in Shelby County and where Shelby County holds the annual East Texas Poultry Festival each October to celebrate the positive impact agriculture has on the region. Whereas, festival such as this play a special role enhancing the lives of rural Texans. Whereas, rural communities are the backbone of Texas' unique culture and heritage. And Whereas, Texas Agriculture matters and Texas allows it with every citizen on the planet every day. Whereas, the Texas Department of Agriculture expresses its appreciation to the East Texas Poultry Industry and its community leaders throughout the region. Now and therefore, let it be resolved, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller proclaims his support for the [39th] Annual East Texas Poultry Festival in Shelby County, Texas." Finally to end opening ceremonies, the Poultry Festival Queen, Kamaryn Smith, of Shelbyville, and her court performed the official cutting of the feather boa. After the feather cutting, Center F.L. Moffett students and Center Elementary Students took the stage.
