2019 Texas Citrus Fiesta Post Edition

2019 Texas Citrus Fiesta Post Edition

Progress times Friday, February 1, 2019

Section B

Progress Times photo by Lucianno Guerra.

The 2020 TCF Royal Court which includes Lady-in-Waiting Laryssa Raynah Garcia from Weslaco, Princess of Orange Blossom Iridian Arlette Reyes-representing Palmview, Jaedynn Edel Alaniz as QueenCitrianna and Princess of Grapefruit Blossom Myrhissa Calen Ortega Alongside King Citrus Brandon Thompson.

Coronation gowns get more glamourous every year

By Kathy Olivarez No event in the Rio Grande Valley is more glamourous than the annual Texas Citrus Fiesta Coronation where the Royal Court for the current year is presented, and young ladies from across the Rio Grande Valley vie for the title of the next year’s Queen Citrianna or positions on the Royal Court.

The coronation of the LXXXII Royal Court on Thursday, Jan. 24 was no exception.

Festivities began with the

introduction of King Citrus LXXXII, Brandon Thompson, a third-generation citrus farmer from Mission and owner of Tommy Thompson Farms, which got its start as Thompson Brothers in 1928.

He was officially crowned by King Citrus LXXXI, Trent Bishop, with the assistance of Crown Bearer, Daniel Leo of McAllen.

Then came the introduction of the Tangerine Court, composed of six-year-old girls who were selected to serve in the fall.

For this story, we will

highlight the dresses of the members of the current and incoming TCF Royal Court.

Queen Citrianna LXXXII As Queen Citrianna LXXXII Alexandria Victoria Canchola selected a Victorian-style white silk gown accented with the queen’s traditional color of gold. The bodice featured long sleeves, a portrait neckline, and an upright collar, which is reserved for queens.

It was overlaid with a unique beaded tulle, embroidered with metallic gold and ivory, gold sequins bugle

beads and smooth polished gems in glittering strands.

She wore a special memento of her reign as Princess Anna LIV, three flowers from her dress honoring the memory of her grandmother, Maria Silva, her god-father Roberto Silva and Mrs. Berta Filut who headed the Texas Citrus Fiesta at the time.

The train worn by the Queen was designed by Minta Curtis Deitrich of Louisiana and fashioned

by Mrs. C.B. Curtis. Created of rich white velvet, and lined with gold satin, it had

an elaborate border of gold satin lattice detail and beaded appliqued citrus fruit. Her royal scepter was designed to complement her dress, as did her elegant crown.

Princess of Grapefruit Blossom Kathryn Slusher served as Princess of Grapefruit Blossom. She chose a classic ball gown with a sweetheart bodice made of white silk featuring illusion overlay and a Sabrina neckline.

The full skirt is bordered completely with matching Lyon lace appliques that rose

to peaks at intervals. They were adorned by hundreds of aurora borealis crystals. The back featured a bustle with grapefruit haves of white silk. Segments were created from holographic sequins and beads of iridescent Rocaille beads and crystals.

Princess of Orange Blossom Kaitlyn Renae Ramirez served as Princess of Orange Blossom. She selected a classic ball gown of lustrous white satin cut in a classic

See CORONATION Pg. 3A

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Mayor Armando O’caña Welcomes Mission’s Sister Cities to the Annual Mayor’s International Brunch

Guest Speaker Julian Alvarez

Mexican Delegates

Mayor Armando O’caña surrounded by his family.

State Rep. Sergio Munoz, Julian Alvarez, Mayor O’caña, Senator Chuy Hinojosa and State Rep. Bobby Flores

San Fernando Delegates

Precinct 3: Constable Larry Gallardo, Comm.

Joe Flores and JP Luis Garza with Councilwoman Jessica Ortega-Ochoa and Mayor O’caña

Nicole Hernandez representing Congressman Henry Cuellar

Councilwoman Jessica Ortega-Ochoa, Councilman Ruben Plata, Mrs. O’caña, Mayor O’caña, Mrs. Plata, Mrs. Perez, Interim City Manager Randy Perez Mayor O’cañ wa with Tito Santana

Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce

Mayor O’caña with Sheriff Eddie Guerra and Tax Assessor Pablo “Paul” Villarreal Jr.

Visit www.missiontexas.us for all Texas Citrus Fiesta event coverage.

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Product Costume Show, Shoebox Float and Grapefruit Pie competitions continue TCF tradition

By Jamie Treviño Three separate competitions kicked off the Texas Citrus Fiesta, getting youth and adults excited to participate in the annual festivities in the coming weeks.

The 82nd annual Texas Citrus Fiesta, themed “Citrus Celebrates Hollywood Movies,” inspired several film-themed costumes and floats, ranging from old classics to Disney favorites. The first weekend of TCF included the Shoebox Float Competition, sponsored by the Progress Times, the Product

Costume Show and the Ultimate Grapefruit Pie Baking Contest, sponsored by the Mission Texas Classroom Teachers Association.

The three competitions were showcased at the Mission Community Center on Jan. 12.

Shoebox Float Competition The Shoebox Float Competition is open to fourth and fifth grade students from the Mission Consolidated Independent School District, the La Joya Independent School District and the Sharyland Independent School District.

Sponsored by the Progress Times, the competition this year had a criteria to meet: Disney Spectacular Characters.

Shoebox floats, made from cardboard shoe boxes and covered completely with Valley product, were presented at the Speer Memorial Library prior to their display at the Mission Community Center. They were judged on design, workmanship, use of RGV products including citrus, and the overall appeal.

Fourth grade winners were Zachary Gerlach in first place, Guillermo Maldonado

in second and Anthony Hinojosa in third. Fifth place winners included Victoria Solis in first place, Jordin Vasquez in second and Mia Ayala in third.

Winners and schools received a monetary prize.

Grapefruit Pie Competition The Ultimate Grapefruit Pie Baking Showdown, sponsored by the Mission CTA chapter of the Texas Classroom Teachers Association, also announced its winners at the Mission Community Center. The pie entries were entered that morn-

ing, and the final four pies were presented at the center.

The pies, judged on appearance, taste and use of Valley grapefruits, featured the deep rose tones of Star Ruby, Ruby Red and Rio Red grapefruits that Missionites and RGV residents are familiar with. Following the judging and announcement of the winners, audience members could buy a slice of award-winning pie by making a donation to TCF of $5.

The first place winner of the showdown was Kristin Garcia, second place was Imelda De La Garza

and third place was Kaylee Seahorn.

Product Costume Show The product costume show was broken up into two sections: the costume division and the hat division.

The costume division, broken up into three categories (elementary, teen and adult), contained eight entries in total, and the hat division contained four entries.

Judges, determined by the Texas Citrus Fiesta board, directors and coordinator Sylvia Vick, were all chosen

See PRODUCT SHOW Pg. 8B

Lina Renee Villarreal PRINCESS OF PALMHURST

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:

Ramiro J. Rodriguez, Jr. Mayor

Robert A Salinas Mayor Pro-Tem

Ruben De Leon Councilman

Jaime Aranda Councilman

Israel Silva Councilman

Ofelia Peña-Perez Councilwoman

4417 North Shary Rd. • Palmhurst, TX • (956) 583-8697 • www.cityofpalmhursttx.com

February 1, 2019

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Mission celebrates TCF with sister cities during Mayor’s International Brunch

By Jamie Treviño Continuing to foster an ongoing relationship with several sister cities, the Mayor’s International Brunch recognized local and foreign administration.

The annual brunch took place last Saturday morning at the Mission Event Center, preluding the Parade of Oranges. Starting at 9 a.m., guests gathered to celebrate the 82nd Texas Citrus Fiesta with Mission Mayor Armando O’caña.

“Our sister cities are an integral part of our operations in the city of Mission,” O’caña said. “This is a pres-

tigious occasion: a city tradition since the mid-1970’s.

Today we gather for the Mayor’s Brunch, but also for a celebration of our history, our culture, our legacy and our international neighbors.”

O’caña also said that the main goal of the brunch was to celebrate the Texas Citrus Fiesta, the city’s tradition for over 80 years.

“It is a unique opportunity to highlight the citrus industry and its critical importance to the history of this community,” O’caña said. “The citrus industry has been and is the foundation of Mission.

It’s so inspiring that what once began as a few orchards

in Mission has now grown into part of Mission’s great heritage and tradition.”

Several sister cities from Mexico were represented at the brunch. Their relationships with Mission were founded throughout the years, the first of which began in 1993 and the most recent established in 2018.

“This is a very important week and weekend here in Mission,” Albert Chapa, the chairman of the board for the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, said. “We celebrate not only the citrus industry, but our vibrant economy and a great quality of life that we have in Mission.”

TCF 2020 Royal Court named

By Jose De Leon III It was a night of glitz and glamour at the 2019 Texas Citrus Fiesta Coronation.

With this year’s theme being “Citrus Celebrates Hollywood Movies,” all eyes were on the duchesses and TCF Royal Court at the Thursday, Jan. 24 ceremony.

With the spotlight on these individuals, the duchesses were treated like the celebrities of Hollywood in this annual event where the Royal Court for the current year is presented, and young ladies from across the Rio Grande Valley vie for the title of next year’s Queen Citrianna or positions on the Royal Court.

History was made for Peñitas that night in Mission that night as Jaedynn E’Del Alaniz-Duchess of White Wing, was selected as Queen Citrianna 83.

This marked the first time in the history of Peñitas that the Duchess of White Wing was selected as Queen Citrianna.

“It’s an amazing feeling, and experience, I can’t wait for what’s to come,” Alaniz said after the event.

Dressed in a gown of raw silk in ivory and charcoal gray with a back bustle that was created by two pairs of outstretched wings covered with matched beaded lace where a holographic embroidered white-winged dove was added, the new queen

looked as royal as her new title.

Alaniz’s mother, Magaly Alaniz, served on the Royal Court in 1996 as First Runner Up, Alaniz said (see related story). Her mom was the main reason she applied to compete this year, she said.

“She signed me up without letting me know but it ended up working out,” the new queen said. “She’s going to get so emotional, she’s my rock and the reason I’m doing this.”

Other members of the royal court include Lady-in-Waiting Laryssa Raynah Garcia from Weslaco who competed as Duchess of Lemon.

“I am elated to be a part of this wonderful tradition,” Garcia said. “Being part of the royal Court for the Texas Citrus Fiesta is such an honor, I can impact my community and entire state with this opportunity.”

Wearing a gown of yellow satin and tulle, Garcia said she is already planning her dress for next year. She said she plans to incorporate fabric from her mother’s wedding dress.

Dressed in a ball gown made of shantung silk in shades of green found in the royal palm, Iridian Arlette Reyes represented Palmview and competed as Duchess of Royal Palms. She was selected as Princess of Orange Blossom.

“I was so excited that I just heard my and didn’t hear the title,” Reyes said. “I’m honored just to have this experience of competing on the Royal court and have a place in it is now the best feeling in the world. It’s going to be stressful but it will also be fun. I am excited.”

Reyes said she hopes to use her title to meet with the local youth to educate them on the citrus industry.

Myrhissa Calen Ortega who competed as Duchess of Delta Waters, was named Princess of Grapefruit Blossom. Dressed in an ocean blue satin taffeta gown, the Edinburg native discussed her excitement at being part of the court.

“It’s really exciting,” Ortega said. “My family has been involved in the Citrus Fiesta in the past, its exciting to be here and we always attend and now I am part of it.

I’m just getting to know the other members of the Royal Court.”

Other winners included 1st Runner-up Karen Ramirez-Duchess of Retama, 2nd runner-up Valeria Georgette Alonzo-Duchess of Ruby Red and Miss Photogenic Ashley Renne Tijerina-Duchess of Marsh White.

Ramirez was also named Miss Congeniality by the duchesses.

Julian Alvarez III, the Commissioner of Labor with the Texas Workforce Commission, was the keynote speaker at the brunch. He spoke about the innovation within Mission, and how thinking outside the box has led to prosperity in the area.

“Folks want to know about the successes that we’ve had,” Alvarez said.

“We have individuals and communities from all over the state of Texas that come to my office asking, ‘How can we collaborate on what you’re doing in South Texas?’”

Alvarez spoke about how the Texas Workforce Com-

from pg. 1B

mission has been working for Texas citizens daily.

“The unemployment rate is 3.7 [percent], we haven’t been this low since 1973,” Alvarez said. “Texas is the best place to do business. The face of the future is changing, and many of you that are in this room are keeping up with that change.”

Merced Solis, also known as Tito Santana, served as the 2019 Grand Marshal for the Parade of Oranges, which took place later that afternoon. Solis, a graduate of Mission High School who has gone on to find success in professional football and wrestling and now works as

CORONATION

style. Her bodice featured a jeweled neckline that forms a deep vee in the back, bordered by a clear rhinestone chain and fluttery capped sleeves of silver Alencon lace sewn in floral patterns.

The back of the gown featured lace and crystals. The waist band was created by ornate clear rhinestones.

The waist, featured a bustle shaped like an orange leaf, embellished with dimensional orange blooms.

Lady-in-Waiting Laisha Aimee Lopez served as Lady-in-Waiting. She wore a gown of snow-white satin featuring an illusion-style white satin sweetheart bodice cut. It was overlaid with Lyon Lace and trimmed with segmented rhinestone trim bordering the scoop neckline The skirt was created with layers of white satin, silver mesh and embroidered Lyon lace with hundreds of aurora borealis crystals. A large double looped bow finished the back of the dress.

It was centered with white satin grapefruit halves with segments outlined in aurora borealis crystals sitting atop a rosette of Lyon lace.

Duchess of Delta Waters-Princess of Grapefruit 2020 Myrhissa Calen Ortega of Edinburg served as Duchess of Delta Waters. She chose a beautiful gown of ocean blue satin taffeta. The bodice was an illusion style overlay with a Sabrina neckline sewn with silver thread, clear bugle beads, blue sequins and polished gems over aqua tulle.

A bustle in the back was created by blending iridescent shades of crystallized organza, glitter dot tulle and ocean blue chiffon into graceful folds that resembled cascading water. A lovely blue water lily was nestled at the top of the bustle for a finishing touch.

Duchess of Lemon Lady in Waiting 2020 Laryssa Raynah Garcia of Weslaco served as Duchess of Lemon. She chose a gown of yellow satin and tulle with a princess-seamed bodice of yellow satin gathered with tulle across the shoulders forming a vee neckline featuring a sequined lemon, leaves and bloom at the bottom of the neckline.

The bodice had corset-style laces in the back above a soft yellow satin centered with a plush arrangement of lemons, leaves and blossoms embellished with white silk flowers.

The skirt featured a Basque waistline with layers of yellow satin and tulle with a dusting of crystals.

Sequined lemon appliques were placed around the hem of the skirt.

Duchess of Royal Palms Princess of Orange Blossom 2020 Iridian Arlette Saenz served as Duchess of Royal Palms. She chose a ball gown made of shantung silk in shades of green found in the royal palm. The princess seamed bodice is sleeveless with a scooped neckline falling to a deep vee in the back. The yoke was encrusted with embroidered lace in

a teacher in New Jersey, was recognized with an award during the brunch.

“I have received a lot of awards since I left Mission in 1971, God has been good to me,” Solis said. “This is the award that means the most to me.”

Solis spoke about his life as a migrant and the struggles he and his family went through growing up.

“To have seen what I have seen and accomplished what I have accomplished, all I can say is I owe it all to God,” Solis said. “Thank you very much, and I look forward to spending the rest of the day in Mission.”

a floral pattern sewn with silver threat, green cup and fancy sequins, bugle beads and amber Rocaille beads.

Large faceted stones were centered in the blossoms.

Crystals in shades of green and topaz dusted the midriff and matching applique that descends over the top of the full skirt.

A bustle of green taffeta petals is gathered with a pale green silk keeper and secured with a brooch of amber-colored stones.

Duchess of White Wing Queen Citrianna 2020 Jaedynn E’Del Alaniz served as Duchess of White Wing. She chose a magnificent gown of raw silk in ivory and charcoal gray. The bodice featured a portrait neckline and three-fourths length sleeves made of ivory silk with an overlay of silver Lyon lace to which many aurora borealis crystals, smoky gray pearls and ivory faceted beads were added for a brocade effect.

The back of the bodice featured Lyon lace appliques cut into the shape of wings, which were placed over the shoulders.

The Basque waistline was enhanced with the jewels and a pearl brooch in the center, which extended below the waist.

A back bustle was created by two pairs of outstretched wings covered with matched beaded lace where a holographic embroidered whitewinged dove was added.

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Texas Citrus Fiesta crowns new king

By Jose De Leon III Though he says he hates being in the center of attention, Brandon Thompson was born into the Texas Citrus Fiesta, literally.

On Friday, Jan. 25, 1980, during festivities for the 1980s TCF, his mother-Margot, went into labor with him. Last Thursday, Jan. 24, nearly 39 years later, Thompson was crowned King of the 2019 TCF. “I grew up learning about it because of my parents, but never did I imagine I’d be here,” Thompson said during the 2019 TCF Royal Coronation. “I hate being the center of attention, but here I am.”

Thompson is a third-generation farmer whose grandfather, Harry Thompson, started Thompson Brothers in 1928 with his brother Hubert. The farm, based in mission, transitioned to Tommy Thompson Farms in the 1980s.

Thompson grew up near that farm alongside his three sisters and, despite what he described as “fond” memories of being in the farm, he swore one thing to himself.

“I decided that when I was older, I was never going to work on the farm,” Thompson said. “I wanted to escape into a future that had nothing to do with farming.”

With that attitude, Thompson embarked to

Baylor University in 1998 following his graduation from Mission High School in search of a future without farming. However, during several personality and aptitude tests that he took, the results of a career tailor made for Thompson came back as...farming.

“I’m not grateful to those experts because they didn’t give me the answer I wanted, but they gave me the answer I needed,” Thompson said.

“They guided me back home to work with my dad on the farm.”

Though he was returning to the world of farming, Thompson wasn’t going to do it alone as he still had his supportive family and a new addition to the family: his wife Misty who he met in college.

In his bio that was read to the public during his coronation, Misty was called Thompson’s “North Star” who allowed him to get his bearings in the world. His bio also said marrying Misty was the smartest decision Thompson ever made.

Thompson spent the next few years with his father, Tommy Thompson, handling the family farm until Tommy unexpectedly passed away in 2007. Though he struggled in the years after his father’s death, Thompson maintained the family farm with the help of his family, his dedicated

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workers which included expert grower Cecilio Pena, mentor Chu Torres and many other people he knew in the industry.

Thompson expressed appreciation for these people during his coronation.

Thompson has proudly served the community as a board member of the Hidalgo County Irrigation District #6 for the past 12 years, and recently as a board member in the Texas Citrus Pest and Disease Management Company. He continues to operate the family business, Thompson Farms, and has started his own company, Grove To Glass LLC, with his friend and business partner Rick Coach, to get fresh squeezed orange juice to people of the Austin area.

When he’s not farming, Thompson enjoys spending time with his two young sons, Knox and Asher and hopes one of them will carry the business on to the fourth generation.

For now, Thompson said great things of his royal court, which he says represents the new generation of representatives for the local citrus industry.

“It’s wonderful, the Royal Court here and all these girls are wonderful” he said.

February 1, 2019

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Like mother like daughter Queen Citrianna 2020 following in mother’s footsteps

By Jose De Leon III When she heard her name called out as the incoming Queen Citrianna during the Texas Citrus Fiesta Royal Coronation last week, Jaedynn E’Del Alaniz was stunned.

“It was exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time,” Alaniz recalled. “I didn’t know what to expect, I just thought it’d be exciting if I won and it ended up happening. I remember I turned to look at my mom, there’s video she took where I turn to her in a look of total surprise.”

There’s a reason she looked for her mother for guidance in her moment of triumph. Her mother, Magaly Alaniz, served on the TCF royal court in 1996. Now, 23 years later, her daughter is following in her footsteps and serving on the TCF Royal Court, but as its leader.

Both women competed as the Duchess of White Wing representing the city of Peñitas. Magaly earned the title of 1st Runner Up while her daughter was named queen.

This is the first time in the history of the city that someone from Peñitas earned that title.

“I was shocked, I was hoping she would win so when they called her, so many emotions came through,” Magaly recalled on the night of the royal reception. “I started to cry. It’s history making, I’m speechless. Everyone in the West was rooting for us and hoping for this outcome.”

As the new queen, Jaedynn will be crowned at next year’s Texas Citrus Fiesta coronation to give her and the rest of her royal court enough time to prepare their dresses.

For Magaly, the title is more than a new achievement, she said.

“My grandfather, Eduardo Perez Sr., worked in the

citrus industry and resided in Peñitas,” Magaly said.

“When I competed I did it for him and my daughter does the same. It’s not just a title and a crown, this represents family.”

The road to Queen Citrianna actually started at the previous TCF ceremony where Jaedynn expressed an interest to compete in, but missed the deadline, she said. This caused her mother to sign her up for this year’s TCF without consulting her first.

“She was excited when she found out I signed her up but panicked and said she wasn’t ready,” Magaly recalled. “I told her, just pray. Leave it up to God so you can focus on having fun and making experiences for yourself. It will be an amazing experience regardless of the title.”

To prepare to compete as duchess, Jaedynn got together with her mom and aunt to practice how to curtsy, walk and research for the interview portion of the competition, Jaedynn said.

“I got to bond a lot with my mom this year because of it, it was fun having her here for

me,” Jaedynn said. “My mom would always tell me stories about competing and made it sound fun. She’d always meet new people through it so I wanted that for myself. I knew I wanted to participate to gain the experience and break the barrier for the West to show other people in my area that they can succeed in this competition too.”

Jaedynn’s new title wasn’t the only victory for her city. Peñitas resident Ximena Lopez won 1st place in the Product Costume Show competition in an outfit designed by Libby Chapa, Magaly’s sister, and all three women pitched in to make it.

The city’s “Wizard of Oz” themed float won first place at the Parade of Oranges competition, another product from the city that Jaedynn and her mother helped make, they said.

“We helped because we’re making plans to show that if we can participate in it, than more people can also participate in other events, not just the pageant,” Jaedynn said. “We want to spread the word mainly toward the kids in elementary schools so they can grow up with TCF and participate in it when they’re older. It’s something the entire community can get involved in.”

Magaly said she will be there for her daughter every step of the way on her road to TCF Queen. Pride in her hardworking daughter is her biggest motivator, she said.

“As a parent, you always try to prepare your kids to do better than you have, that’s what I was hoping for,” Magaly said “I wanted her to have a great time at the royal coronation and she surprised us by having the greatest time.”

Special Thanks To

For Their Support of the 2019 Texas Citrus Fiesta

Dr. Armando Ocaña MAYOR

Norie Garza MAYOR PRO-TEM

Jessica Ortega-Ochoa COUNCILWOMAN

Ruben Plata COUNCILMAN

Gus Martinez COUNCILMAN

Randy Perez INTERIM CITY MANAGER

956.580.8650 • 1201 E. 8th Street, Mission, TX • www.missiontexas.us

2019 Duchess Of White Wing

Jaedynn E’Del Alaniz Queen citrianna LXXXiii

Ximena Lopez

Proud to be part of the 2019 Citrus Fiesta

MAYOR PRO-TEM

COUNCILMAN

ALEX GUAJARDO JOSE ROEL FLORES

MAYOR

RIGO LOPEZ

COUNCILMAN

COUNCILMAN

FELIPE QUINTANILLA RAMIRO LOYA

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February 1, 2019

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the city of La Joya pRouDLy suppoRts texas citRus fiesta

Karen Ramirez

2019 Duchess of Retama

1st RunneR up - Miss Congeniality

La Joya City Council Jose A. “Fito” Salinas Mayor

Rey Acosta Commissioner

Mary Salinas Mayor Pro-Tem

Kennedy Salinas City Attorney

Anna Lisa Ruiz Commissioner

Mike Alaniz City Administrator

Maria E. “Geny” Salinas Commissioner

Julianita Sabala Administrative Secretary

Parade of Oranges brings color to cloudy day

By Jamie Treviño The Texas Citrus Fiesta didn’t let the cloudy weather rain on their parade.

The 82nd annual Parade of Oranges went on last Saturday as scheduled, despite the weather and intermittent drizzling during the day. Several Mission groups, churches, RV parks, the Mission Consolidated Independent School District, neighboring cities and local city entities had floats that made their way down Conway.

The Parade of Oranges includes a competition where eight qualified judges ranked floats based on the amount of Valley product used, the coverage of the float, the design and display, creativity and the mandated use of all Valley produce and plants.

Bill Filut, who is in charge of the annual Parade of Oranges for TCF, said it takes nearly a full year to organize. Following the Mission parade, the Citrus Fiesta takes their float across the state of Texas for other parades in order to highlight the city’s main industry.

“Every year the floats are just amazing, they’re just awesome,” Filut said.

“The creativity that goes into them [the floats], they spend a lot of time thinking of what they’re going to do and how they’re going to do it.”

Filut has been organizing the parade for 26 years, and says the Texas Citrus Fiesta has just been getting bigger and better. It rained during this

u o Y k n a h T Thank You Fiesta Supporters and Workers For Another Successful Texas Citrus Fiesta

Corporate Sponsors 2019 MEDC, Heart of America Zaragoza Hinojosa, CPA Capital Farm Credit, Javier Hinojosa Engineering, Peter Piper Pizza-Mission, AEP Texas, South Shary Rentals Loly’s Creations, Sam’s Club, Rodeo Dental

year’s, but the turnout of Mission residents was still strong.

“I think it turned out very well considering the weather,” Filut said. “All participants showed up except for the four bands, and their instruments were the big concerns.”

Showcasing Mission citrus is vital to continuing a long tradition, according to Filut.

“Mission got its start with the citrus industry,” Filut said. “It’s an over $200 million industry in the Valley, and it puts a lot of people to work.”

For Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, who designed their float around the 1969 western “True Grit,” the Fiesta theme “Citrus Celebrates Hollywood Movies” made their choice of float easy.

The film, starring lifelong Catholic John Wayne, centers on a former U.S. Marshal who helps a young girl track down her father’s murderer.

Our Lady of Guadalupe has been participating in the Parade of Oranges for 25 years. According to Bernie Decaire, who works with the church, the founder of Mission happened to be a cowboy priest, not unlike the current priest of OLG, Father Roy Snipes.

“John Wayne was a devoted Catholic and movie star,” Decaire said.

The grapefruit used to decorate their float was gathered over the course of two weeks, and church members make an annual party out of decorating it the night before the pa-

rade. With a barbeque, music and teaching the kids how to properly lay the fruit slices along the float, this particular float was not completed until 2 a.m. that morning - which is considered early for them.

“On Friday, we have all the seniors from the high schools come in,” Decaire said. “We teach them how to do it.”

“It’s an honor [to be part of TCF],” David Moreno, part of OLG Church, said. “We’re devoted to the church, we have a good priest, Father Roy, and we do it out of joy.”

The Mission High School and Veterans Memorial High School FFA (Future Farmers of America) Chapters, now unified as one, also had their own float this year. MHS Chapter President Ileana Martinez was excited to participate in the festivities, saying that it’s a tradition the school district is happy to be part of.

“It is an honor and it’s also an amazing experience,” Martinez said.

“It’s a cool theme because there’s variety.”

The students were proud to display their unification during the parade.

“This is the first year we combined both Veterans Memorial and Mission High School’s FFA,” Martinez said. “Our citrus industry has been amazing over the years, and it has impacted a lot of people. It’s a great history.”

The Texas Citrus Fiesta board of directors extends a heartfelt “Thank You” to the sponsors, supporters, volunteers and workers who made this year’s Citrus Fiesta such a great success.

Our sponsors were wonderful this year, making each fiesta event possible from the parade to the coronation, and of course, the great entertainment at the Fun Fair. The City of Mission and the Mission Consolidated Independent School District have been faithful supporters of the Fiesta year after year, but this year have outdone themselves providing facilities and extensive resources including assistance by the City Parks and Recreation Department, Streets, Police, Fire Department & Health Department, The Mission Historical Museum and many other city and school staff members’ assistance in this monumental effort. A special thanks goes to neighboring Police Departments, DPS, Sheriffs Dept. & Border Patrol.

Of course, there would be no Citrus Fiesta without our many volunteers, Fiesta committee members and workers, as well as individuals who contributed much time and effort in setting-up for our events, building floats and working on the various aspects of the Fiesta.

To each and everyone who participated in this year’s Fiesta, we extend our sincere thanks. Your devotion and loyalty are what make the Texas Citrus Fiesta the best fiesta in Texas!

February 1, 2019

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2019 Parade of oranges float division winners

Golf Cart Division

Float - Winter Texan II

Float - Elementary School

1st - Oleander Acres RV Resort

1st - Mission Bell-Trade Winds RV 2nd - Green Gate Groove

1st - Mission CISD - Mims Elem.

2nd - Mission CISD - Leal Elem.

3rd - Mission CISD - Cavazos Elem.

Float - Commercial

Float - General

Float - Valley Products

1st - City of Peñtias, White Wing Pageant 1st - Texas National Bank 2nd - Mission Regional Medical Center 2nd - Classic Fitness Gym 3rd - La Joya ISD 3rd - Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show

Float - High School Band

Float - Marching/Walking - Military

1st - Veterans Memorial H.S. 2nd - La Joya H.S.

1st - Mission H.S. JROTC 2nd - La Joya H.S. Army JROTC 3rd - Veterans Memorial H.S. JROTC

1st - Our Lady of Guadalupe 2nd - City of Mission Parks and Rec Dept.

3rd - Mission FFA

Float - Marching/Walking (not bands) 1st - La Joya H.S. Folklorico Tabasco 2nd - Veterans Memorial Patriot Stars

Congratulations and thank You for Your PartiCiPation.

THE SPIRIT OF LA LOMITA MISSION LIVES HERE AT OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH Congratulations to all the participants of the 82nd Annual Texas Citrus Fiesta “Citrus Celebrates Hollywood Movies”

1st Place Valley Products Our Lady of Guadalupe THE FATHERS: †FR. JIM, FR. PHILION & FR. ROY (†MAGNA, †SENTINEL, †MAGNO, †AUGIE, †DIDYMUS, †CHUNKLY, †GIRLY, CANTINA, VALENTINE, †NEWLY, BENDITO, CHARLOTTE, CENIZA & WIGLET)

MASS SCHEDULE “Texas Friendly” spoken at all masses (and confessions)

MISIONERAS CATHEQUISTAS, SR. LUPITA,

Saturday (English) ........................................... 4:00 P.M. Saturday (Spanish) .......................................... 7:00 P.M. Sunday (Spanish) ........................................... 7:30 A.M. Sunday (English)............................................. 9:00 A.M. Sunday (English)........................................... 10:30 A.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex) Mariachi Mass ......... (Noon)12:30 P.M. Sunday (Tex-Mex)............................................ 5:30 P.M. Monday - Wednesday & Friday (Tex-Mex) ....... 6:55 A.M. Thursday (Tex-Mex) ......................................... 7:00 P.M.

† DEACON AYALA, DEACON CASTANEDA

Thursday ....................................................... 6:00 P.M. Saturday......................................................... 3:00 P.M.

CONFESSIONS

620 DUNLAP MISSION, TX • 585-2623 • (ONE BLOCK WEST OF CONWAY ON MAGNA DRIVE (6TH ST).

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PRODUCT SHOW

based on their qualifications with past costume design and TCF experience. They ranked entries based on the overall design, use of Valley citrus product, creativity, workmanship, fit, construction of the costume, and the runway walk.

Costumes, shoes and accessories are covered in citrus, flowers, leaves and vegetables native to the RGV. Any part of the costume shown must be covered in dried product. Models emulated characters and people such as Mickey Mouse, Shirley Temple, Peter Pan, Princess Tiana, Medusa, Cleopatra, Glinda the Good Witch, Ben Hur, Lightning McQueen, My Fair Lady, Little Women and Mary Poppins in both the costume and hat divisions.

Costumes, according to the TCF, have been featured in several other cities and the Texas State Capitol, Kennedy Center and the Cotton Bowl Parade. They have also been highlighted in Texas Monthly and Texas Hi-ways, as well as other national magazines.

The first place winner in the hat division was a hat designed and modeled by Linsey Marie Garza. Her hat was inspired by the character Eliza Doolittle from the musical film “My Fair Lady.”

The hat is an example of one that would have been worn by a lady of high soci-

proudly supports Texas Citrus Fiesta

ety. A senior at Pioneer High School, Garza covered the hat with aged and processed citrus leaves, embellished by a large mum covered in processed wild orchid blooms, and accented with Phoenix Roebelenii, a palm seed branch and a Nandina branch with seeds.

In the elementary division, first place was awarded to an outfit designed by Olivia Chapa and modeled by Ximena Lopez. The costume was Princess Tiana from the Disney film “The Princess and the Frog.”

The complete costume included a crown, two-piece ensemble top and skirt, a Frog Prince held in the palm of Lopez’s hand and a pair of shoes. Grapefruit peel, bougainvillea leaves, lemon leaves, orange rind, oak seeds, dried acorns, cucumber peels, palm tree leaves and white onion skins and more were all utilized to create the total costume, which included several flowers and ruffle embellishments.

In the teen division, the first place winner was Briana Garza, who designed and modeled her costume, Medusa. One of the most popular monsters in Greek mythology, Medusa has been a featured character in several films and shows throughout modern history.

Garza’s costume included a head of poisonous snakes and a snake necklace

made up of burnt orange and grapefruit peel, a green dress, a belt, shoes, a giant snake carried by Garza and two rings. Overall, the pieces of her costume was made up up dehydrated lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit leaves, cantaloupe rind, mesquite sawdust, white, purple and brown onion peels, bougainvillea petals, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, orange and grapefruit peel and tangerine slices.

Garza also was awarded the People’s Choice Award, voted on by the audience members at the event.

The adult division winner was Destiny Gonzalez, who designed and modeled her costume after Glinda the Good Witch from “The Wizard of Oz.” Her costume included a crown, bodice dress, magic wand, necklace, bracelet, shoes and fairy wings.

White onion peel, esperanza petals, lemon and pumpkin seeds, orange leaves, grapefruit seeds, bougainvillea petals, palm tree bark, orange peels and palm leaves.

“It feels nice, it’s really fun to come out and experience all this,” Gonzalez said following the competition.

“It’s great to see all the designs. I wasn’t expecting how half of the costumes were made.”

Duchess of Royal Palms

Iridian Arlette Reyes Miss Palmview

Princess of orange Blossom

Ricardo Villarreal Mayor

Joel Garcia Mayor Pro Tem

Javier Ramirez Councilman

Jose Luis Perez Councilman

Linda Sarabia Councilwoman

Anthony Uresti Councilman

Michael Leo - City Manager

www.cityofpalmview.com

Special Thanks to

for their support of the 2019 Texas Citrus Fiesta

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VIEW AND BUY THESE AND MORE CITRUS FIESTA PHOTOS ONLINE @ GALLERY.PROGRESSTIMES.NET