The Texas Citrus Fiesta in Mission is an event to look forward to every year. Each year the parade has a different theme and floats in the parade that are all decked out according to that theme using lively decorations and Valley products. This year’s theme is Space Odyssey Adventure to celebrate the anniversary of space exploration.

The deadline to enter your float into this year’s parade, being held January 25, 2020, is January 21, 2020.

Competitive categories include Antique cars, bicycles, church, golf carts, military, motorcycles, horses and two Winter Texan categories. The Winter Texan categories are based on size of the park. Winter Texan I is for parks with 199 or less spaces. Winter Texan II is for parks with 200 or more spaces.

Most floats have to be decorated with a certain amount of citrus and Valley grown products. The Winter Texan floats should be decorated with one third citrus and the rest with Valley grown products or other materials. The towing vehicle must also be decorated with one third citrus. Both must be decorated to fit the theme.

The prizes awarded to the Winter Texan floats are the Precious Award, Winter Texan King and Queen Award and the Ruth Kissinger Award.

The golf cart entries are voted on workmanship, originality and adherence to the theme. A total of four golf carts will be allowed per entry. One quarter of the cart must be decorated or displayed with citrus.

There is also a Valley Product Category that requires more work than the rest. The float must adhere to the parade theme and be decorated with at least two thirds citrus or any product grown in the Rio Grande Valley. Towing vehicle must also be decorated, but product is not required for the vehicle.

A general category is also available to enter and require the one third, same as the Winter Texan float category.

For more information, or to get a registration packet and the full rules and guidelines, visit the Texas Citrus Fiesta website at www.texascitrusfiesta.org. You can also find them on Facebook, call (956) 585-9724 or email them at info@texascitrusfiesta.org.