Texas Citrus Fiesta

History of the Citrus Fiesta

The citrus industry in the Rio Grande Valley was still young when Paul Ord and the Young Men’s Business League introduced the first Texas Citrus Fiesta in Mission in December 1932. They saw the celebration as a way to spread the word about the bountiful winter harvest of grapefruits and oranges from the lush, subtropical Rio Grande Valley. The theme of that first fiesta, held outdoors against the background of the citrus-bearing trees, was “Coronation and Pageant of Citrus.” John H. Shary, considered the father of the Texas citrus industry, reigned over the one-day celebration. It started with a half-hour concert and ended with the coronation of King Citrus and Queen Citrianna. This became a tradition of “royalty,” with a citrus industry leader chosen as king and a queen chosen from Rio Grande Valley “duchesses,” each representing a community and its product or industry.

The second fiesta did not take place until 1934 because of damage caused by a hurricane in 1933. Other than during World War II, the fiesta has been held annually. In the 1930s, Fox Movietone News enjoyed showing the Valley’s lovely ladies in bathing suits in a swimming pool full of floating grapefruits while the rest of the nation was in a deep freeze. The fiesta still takes delight in showing off the lovely ladies and handsome lads at the coronation of King Citrus and Queen Citrianna. Coronation is now held indoors amidst the flourish of herald trumpets during the last week of January. Since 1932, the fiesta has presented its Product Costume Style Show where exquisite costumes made of citrus and other local Valley products are exhibited. Through the years, and with modern technology, the costumes have become intricate works of fold art using Valley citrus, fruits, vegetables and foliage that have been pulverized, dehydrated, blended and microwaved. These costumes have been featured in National Geographic, Southern Living and Texas Monthly magazines, and at shows from Kansas City to Washington, D.C.

2009 Texas Citrus Fiesta Calendar of Events

PARADE OF ORANGES: January 26, 2008 (begins at 6 p.m.)

Come join us this year for our spectacular Parade of Oranges. This year was the first year that the Texas Citrus Fiesta’s Parade of Orange was held at night, with about 200 floats lighting up the darkened streets. Our unique Parade of Oranges features floats covered with citrus and Valley products. The parade route becomes lined with more than 100,000 spectators from the United States, Canada and Mexico who come to watch the colorful floats built by civic clubs, churches, businesses and schools. The parade route will be begin on Conway and 495 to 4th Street. Bring some snacks and park your vehicle by the road (along Conway) and enjoy the beautiful floats. For tickets, call 580-8646.

FIESTA FUN FAIR: January 26, 2008 (10 a.m. – 10 p.m.)

Fiesta activities have grown over the years and now include an arts and crafts show; Fiesta Fun Fair, with folk dancers, music, food, and entertainment for every age group; and a Vaquero (cowboy) Cook-Off, in which contestants cook over their campfires in front of their own antique covered wagons. Live entertainment includes Mariano Bocanegra “La Preferencia,” DJ & Karaoke Rene de la Cruz, Jealous Heart Band, Yodeling Sweetheart – Joyce Leonard, and the South Texas Panteras Dance Troop. Fiesta Kiddie Activities include a moon walk, ferris wheel, giant slide, pony rides and jurassic park. The Texas Citrus Youth Show will be held at the Fun Fair, too, with winners announced at 4 p.m. Come join us for fun for the whole family!

PRODUCT COSTUME SHOW: January 25, 2008 (7:30 p.m.)

Every year, a selective group of women get together to plan and design beautiful costumes made of dried, powdered, and crystallized fruits and vegetables grown in the Rio Grande Valley. These are beautiful costumes that are truly a work of art. Each year they are modeled at the Product Costume Style Show at the Queen Citrianna Pageant. For ticket information, contact the office at 956-585-9724.

2008 Texas Citrus Corporate Sponsors

Rio Star
City of Mission

Rio Red
First National Bank, Wal-Mart Supercenter Palmhurst, JD Salinas

Star Ruby
Progress Times, Mission CISD, BMP Radio, Rod Works, Mario’s Banquet & Conference Center

Ruby Red
Mission Hospital, Rio Queen, Citrus Inc., Mission Chamber of Commerce, Mission Lion’s Club, Ex-Kings Association, Mission Historical Museum

Valencia

Texas State Bank, South Shary Rentals, Genco Services, Healds Valley Farms, AEP, HEB, BFI, International Bank of Commerce, Rumbo

Tangerine
Weaks Martin Implement Company, Inc., Vilma’s Bridal & Catering, MCM Sporting Goods, Flores Funeral Home, Sara’s Pharmacy & Gift Corner, Mission Plaza Pharmacy, Club at Cimarron, Bita’s Flower Shop & Gift Garden

For Texas Citrus Fiesta ticket and time information, call 956-585-9724 or visit www.texascitrusfiesta.net.