It’s time again for the Texas Citrus Fiesta and as the 71st Texas Citrus Fiesta celebrates the City of Mission’s Centennial starts there will be several changes. The most dramatic change in the Fiesta will be the first lighted night parade. The energy is building as community groups are creating their first lighted float, and the Texas Citrus Fiesta board of directors sees the response to the new feature. The parade will start at 6 p.m. instead of at noon and run north to south along Conway Avenue.
The Royal Coronation of King Citrus and Queen Citrianna will take place on Thursday, January 24, at 7 p.m. at the Mission Neuhaus Center on the campus of Mission High School. No one knows the identity of the new King Citrus; it is a closely guarded secret and is always someone who is involved in the Citrus industry.
Following the King’s announcement, the members of the Royal Court will be introduced when Queen Citrianna, and other members of the Royal Court join King Citrus on the stage. When the duchesses enter, their gowns will be a colorful array representing a variety of agricultural products and plants found in the Rio Grande Valley.
Tickets to view the pageantry of the Royal Coronation are $5 for reserved seating and $3 for general seating. They can be purchased in the box office prior to the show.
On Friday, January 25, the Product Costume Show and Royal Finale will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Neuhaus Center. The costume show is one of the most unique to be found anywhere because natural products are used to make the costumes. Following the costumes show, the Royal Court and Duchesses are once again brought out on stage and the announcements of those who will serve in the 2009 Royal Court are made.
Saturday’s festivities start with the annual Texas Citrus Fiesta 5K Fun Run. Participants will meet at Leo Pena "La Plazita" Park in downtown Mission at 7 a.m. Those interested in participating should contact the Mission Parks and Recreation Department at (956) 580-8760 and speak to George Chapa.
Get ready for a day of entertainment at the Texas Citrus Fiesta Fun Fair to be held in Mission Market Square from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be food vendors, arts and crafts, kiddie rides and a full day’s lineup of entertainment.
At the Fun Fair the Vaqueros will have their annual cook-off, which grows in popularity each year. Competition starts at 2 p.m. The vaqueros will compete in two new areas of competition: guacamole and peach cobbler.
The Citrus Youth Show will also be held there. Winners of the competition will be announced at 4 p.m., and the fruit will be sold throughout the day. Admission to the fair is free.
The Mission Historical Museum, 900 Doherty, will have its annual display of Citrus Fiesta Products including old gowns worn by former queens and members of the Royal Court.
The annual Texas Citrus Fiesta Golf Tournament will be held later in March.
The Fiesta is a rich part of Mission’s Centennial history, offering something for everyone.