Texas Citrus Fiesta
progresstimes
February 2, 2018
SPECIAL EDITION
SECTION B
Members of Mission’s city council are seen in their float as part of the TCF Parade of Oranges. Their float was awarded first place in the Competitive float – General Category. Progress times photo by Dee Rendon
Shoe Box Float Winners announced
Fifth grade winners Guillermo Luna Jr., (left), first place; Jose Esrasto Luna, (center) second place; and Gilbert Perez, (right) third place, pose with their floats and the duchesses who awarded them their ribbons.
Each year students in fourth and fifth grades in La Joya, Mission and Sharyland school districts are eligible to enter a float in the shoebox float contest for the Texas Citrus Fiesta. The float must be based on the current theme, which was “Hawaiian Pirate Adventures”. All visible parts of the shoebox must be covered and over 50 percent of the float must be covered in Valley products like the ones used in the product costume show. No fresh fruits are allowed. Plastic figurines and ribbons may also be used to carry the theme. A limit of three entries per school are allowed. First
place winners, announced Sat., Jan 13, received $100 for themselves, as well as $100 for their library. Second place winners receive $75 and third place winners receive $50. Progress Times proudly sponsors this event by providing all proceeds and encourages all children to participate. In the fourth grade division Mia Isabella Ayala of Midkiff Elementary took first place, Jordin Vasquez of Bryan Elementary was second place and Victoria Mya Solis of Bryan Elementary was third place. In the fifth grade division Guillermo Luna Jr. of Bryan Elementary took first place.
Fourth grade winners Mia Isabella Ayala, (left), first place; Jordin Vasquez, (center), second place; and Victoria Mya Solis (right), pose with the duchesses who awarded them their ribbons.
THANK YOU TEXAS CITRUS FIESTA & CONGRATULATIONS
TO OUR
1ST RUNNER UP
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
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Trent Bishop named King Citrus LXXXI By Kathy Olivarez Although King Citrus LXXXI, Trent Bishop was not born in Texas, he got here as soon as he could! In 1973, when he was 2, his parents Jim and Nan Bishop, packed the family into the car and moved to Texas to get away from the mid-western winters. Although his parents were in other professions, Bishop got his start in the agriculture packing cantaloupes in the sweltering heat in Helle-Davis packing shed in Mission. It was there he decided he wanted to pursue a career in production in agriculture because, “People will always need a source of reliable, healthy food to eat.” He attended Texas A&M University where he earned a degree in Agricultural Economics. Upon graduation , Bishop returned to the Valley and began working for Stan Agar at Golden Valley Distributors and represented the Texas citrus industry overseas. At the same time, he oversaw most of the exporting of citrus. After climbing the career ladder, Trent was approached by Jud Flowers in 2004 to manage the sales department at Heald’s Valley Farms. An unexpected change of ownership prompted Bishop and Jud’s son, TJ, to pursue a dream of building their own business. In 2007, Lone Star Growers, a vertically integrated grower, packer, shipper, juicer and marketer of Texas oranges and grapefruit, was born. Bishop serves as Vice-President of Sales
where he is active in sales and marketing of Texas citrus fruit. Bishop is also very active in the produce industry. He is a graduate of Class 5 of the United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program. He then went on to serve as a board member of the United Fresh Leadership Alumni Board. Bishop has served on the board of Texas International Produce Association since 2003 and served as chairman of that organization from 2010 to 2012. He currently serves as Chairman of the Shipper Division. Bishop served on the board of TexaSweet from 2004 until its dissolution in 2017. He currently serves on TCM and TVA Boards. He serves regularly as a guest lecturer/mock interviewer in the Agricultural Economics department at Texas A&M as part of the university’s Sales Professional in Residence Program. He is also on the Advisory Council for the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center in McAllen, as well as the UTRGV College of Sciences Advisory Council. Bishop and his wife, Veronica, have four daughters: Hannah, Allyson, Marin, and Valentina. Bishop states he “loves his five women with every ounce of his being and does as he is told.” When he is not selling citrus, promoting the industry or spending quality time with his ladies, Bishop can be found just out of cell phone range fishing in the shallow flats of the Lower Laguna Madre.
Grapefruit pie winners announced By Kathy Olivarez This year the Texas Citrus Fiesta held its 2nd annual Grapefruit Baking Showdown Saturday, Jan. 13, the popular addition the the Texas Citrus Fiesta is sponsored by the Texas Class-
room Teachers’ Association under the direction of Nydia Alonzo. The winners of the contest were announced during the TCF Product Costume Show. First place went to Imelda De la Garza with her Sweet Red Pie. Second place went to Kristen Garcia with
her Rio Red Grapefruit Pie. Third place went to Ann Elfstrom for her Zesty Grapefruit Citrus Pie. After the festivities ended, slices of the pies entered into the contest were sold for $5 each to help supplement the Texas Citrus Fiesta Scholarship Fund.
Kristen Garcia Second Place
Imelda De la Garza First place
Ann Elfstrom Third Place
PHARMACY & MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
583-2700 • 581-5499
February 2, 2018
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Texas Citrus Fiesta selects ambassadors for citrus industry By Kathy Olivarez and Jose De Leon III It was a night filled with glamor, glitz and pageantry worthy of a British coronation when King Citrus LXXXI, Trent Bishop, and Queen Citrianna LXXXI, Sarah Elizabeth Forthuber, along with Princess Anna LXVIII Jalynn Daniel Mascorro, were officially crowned as they took their places among the other members of the TCF Royal Court Saturday, Jan. 27. King Citrus LXXX Dale Murden officially crowned the new king, Trent Bishop, who would go on to crown Princess Anna and Queen Citrianna with the aid of the Royal Crown Bearer later in the coronation. But it was more than a beauty contest, where pretty girls wore beautiful ball gowns. Each of the persons selected for the LXXXII Royal Court were committing themselves to serve the City of Mission and the Texas Citrus Industry as an ambassador for a period of one year, beginning next January. Those selected will travel to cities around the state where they will ride the Texas Citrus Fiesta float promoting the City of Mission and the Texas Citrus Fiesta in the beautiful ball gowns they chose for the coronation. Parades where the float participated last year included Laredo’s Washington’s birthday parade, the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show parade in Mercedes, Buccaneer Days in Corpus Christi and the San Antonio Parade of Roses. The ladies chosen for the LXXXI Royal Court and as such, to be ambassadors for the City of Mission and the Texas Citrus Fiesta include the following: Queen Citrianna LXXXII Alexandria Victoria Canchola, Duchess of Wildflowers, was selected to be to Queen Citrianna LXXXII. Alexandria is the daughter of Mr. Rick Silva and Ms. Nancy Chapa of Mission. She is a junior at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley where she is active in track and field, a representative on the Student Advisory Council and is in the Honor Society. For the coronation, she wore a breathtaking Colonial ball gown that incorporated a nautical greatcoat made of peacock blue Dupioni silk into its design. The coat, which flows midway down the dress, was bordered with a gold thread and sequin trim.
Princess of Grapefruit Blossom Katheryn Jane Slusher, Duchess of Bougainvillea, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Heller and Mrs. Channing Slusher of Mission. She is a Junior at McAllen Memorial High School where she is a vice-president of the Student Council, a member of the National Honor society and a member of the McAllen Mayor’s Youth Association. “I felt really honored when my name was called out,” Slusher said. “I was not expecting to be in the royal court, much less be the first runner-up. It’s an awesome experience and I’m excited to start my reign next year.” Slusher, who’s stepfather who was crowned King Citrus in 2003, decided to compete after he suggested she try it out. She credits him for getting her involved in the TCF, but that didn’t stop her from feeling surprised when her name was called out as Princess of Grapefruit Blossom, the princess is next in line to the throne after Queen Citrianna. “I was too busy being nervous as to whether or not I’d be named queen that I was caught off guard when I heard my title,” Slusher admitted. “After the event I had to ask someone what my new title was because I was so nervous that I didn’t even catch it.” For the coronation, she chose a ball gown of fuchsia silk taffeta featuring a jeweled bodice with a v-neckline and a boxed pleated skirt. Princess of Orange Blossom Kaitlyn Renae Ramirez, Duchess of Ruby Red Grapefruit, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Juan Lino Ramirez of Mission. She is a senior at Mission’s Veterans Memorial High School where she is a member of the FFA and serves as a varsity cheerleader. She is also a member of
Girls Scouts and the Hidalgo County Cotillion. I was so happy when they called me, I felt like I had a rush going through me,” Ramirez said. “For me to be announced as a face of the citrus industry was awesome.” Ramirez has participated in the TCF in the past, starting with the Citrus Youth Show when she was in middle school. This year marked the first time she competed in the pageant but she said she didn’t do it alone as two of her cousins were also among the 24 girls competing for a title in the royal court. “I represent the city of Mission and feel it’s very important to me and my community because I studied a lot of citrus so I know how big the citrus industry is,” she said. “It’s a big honor to represent the Valley and my community.” For the coronation, she
wore a red satin ball gown with a portrait neckline over a sweetheart bodice that featured three-quarter length sleeves. Lady-in-Waiting Laisha Aimee Lopez, Duchess of Royal Palms, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Federico Lopez of Palmview. She is a senior at Palmview High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society and DECA. She is a state and regional bench record holder and a state medalist for powerlifting. “Being in the royal court feels amazing because I’m the first from Palmview to place here,” she said. “This is my first time competing and I couldn’t believe it resulted in me being so close to being Queen for my first year. I knew I made my city proud, everyone was hoping I’d place and my parents were rooting for me. It was a
great result.” For the coronation, Lopez wore an emerald green taffeta ball gown accented in rich gold. If for any reason the girls sleeted for the Royal Court are unable to serve, two alternates were selected to step up to the Royal Court. They are: First Alternate Duchess of Oleander Jewel Ybarra, Duchess of Oleander, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Julian Ybarra Jr. of Palmhurst. She is a senior at Sharyland High School where she is treasurer of the International Thespian Society, a varsity cheerleader and Grand National Chess Champion. She is also a member of the Hidalgo County Cotillion. Even though her role is that of an alternate, Ybarra says she is still proud of her title. “It’s so important that girls selected in this category don’t see it as a loss,” she said. You’re still representing the Texas Citrus Fiesta and you’re still part of the court. I think it’s really exciting that I was able to place and being 1st runner up is huge.” Ybarra says she sees this victory as one last hurrah before she leaves the Valley later this year to attend the fashion school LIM College in New York City in the fall. “Since I was six years old I dreamed of having my name called to be in the royal court and I can’t believe it’s finally happening,” she said. “I finally reached that goal, my inner six-year-old is proud of me.” For the coronation, she wore a ball gown of fuchsia, soft pink and new leaf green. Second Alternate Jody Mae Sifuentes, Duchess of Honeydew, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Juan Sifuentes of Mission. She is a senior at Mission High School where she is a member of the National
Honor Society and plays varsity soccer. She is a member of the Hidalgo County Cotillion. “I remember being in disbelief that they said my name,” Sifuentes recalled. “It took me a while to process that, I was prepared to tell everyone that it was an honor just to be in the pageant but I ended up with a title anyway. I am so thankful to represent the city in this capacity.” For the coronation, she selected a stunning gown of melon green satin with a sweetheart neckline and cap sleeves. Although not selected for the Royal Court, two special honors are awarded to the girls who participate in the competition. They are: Miss Congeniality This is a special honor where the girls themselves choose the winner. Karsen Arnold Szutz, Duchess of Lemon, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chad Szutz and Ms. Romy Szutz of Weslaco. She is a senior at Weslaco High School where she is a member of the National Honor Society and a varsity cheerleader. She organized a “Ball for the Cure” and cochaired a special Kids Rodeo for the RGV Livestock Show. For the coronation, she selected a ball gown made of lemony yellow taffeta with a scooped neckline and shortcapped sleeves. Miss Photogenic Brianna Renee Ramos, Duchess of Marsh White Seedless Grapefruit, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Miguel Ramos Jr. of Mission. She is a senior at Sharyland Pioneer High School where she won All District Honors in Volleyball in 2016 and 2017 and was named to the east-west Volleyball AllStar Team. She is the current reigning Miss Mission Teen. According to Ramos, “Miss Photogenic” is an award given to a contestant who can consistently be photographed displaying “an image of beauty and elegance.” “When I heard my name called for ‘Miss Photogenic,’ I was both delighted and surprised due to all the beautiful girls competing in the pageant,” she said. “I feel truly blessed to have been given this title and to have been part of the Texas Citrus Fiesta history.” For the coronation, she wore a pastel yellow satin gown featuring a straight cut bodice with an illusion overlay of soft yellow lace with beaded Alencon appliques.
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Parade of Oranges
February 2, 2018
1st Place Valley Products Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church
1st Place Competitive Float- Winter Texan I Bentsen Palm RV Park
1st Place Competitive Float- Elementary School Mims Elementary
1st Place Competitive Float- Winter Texan II Green Gate Grove RV Park
1st Place Competitive Float- Church San Martin de Porres Catholic Church
1st Place Competitive Float- Commercial Marla Cuellar- Attorney at Law
1st Place Competitive Float- General Mission City Council
1st Place Golf Cart Division Oleander Acres RV & Mobile Park
1st Place Marching Units (Not Bands) MHS High Flyers & Dance Drill
1st Place Marching Unit- Military MHS JROTC- Eagle Batallion
1st Place High School Band Mission High School Band
1st Place Jr. High School Band Mission Jr. High Band
2018 Texas Citrus Fiesta Royal Court
February 2, 2018
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Product Costume Style Show Winners selected Jan. 13 “Little Hawaiian Tourist.” She carried Texas Citrus Fiesta luggage covered in a blend of grapefruit, orange, lime and lemon leaves. The dark brown trim on the luggage and her cell phone was from burnt orange and grapefruit peel. Palm fronds were used to create the handle of the suitcase. The bear design was created with purple onion. Her stylish hat was covered with purple bougainvillea and was decorated with lime slices and pumpkin seeds. The lei she wore was made of orange, lemon and lime slices. Citrus leaves covered her sun glasses while pumpkin seeds, sunflower and cantaloupe seeds were used in the decorative design. Her accessories included earrings, rings, watches and even her finger and toe nails were covered in various products. Her ring featured a whole peach seed and her necklace was created from citrus slices. Mango, watermelon, cantaloupe, pumpkin and sunflower seeds were also used in her accessories. The bodice of her outfit was created from white and purple onion skin. The shorts were made of crushed green citrus leaves with fruit slices and seed accents. Her sandals are fashioned from ground citrus leaves with designs of pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Unable to decide on a refreshing drink, Tyra first selected a coconut drink in a cup fashioned from palm fronds and bougainvillea trim. Then she switched to a punch glass covered in or-
ange and tangerine peel with palm tree designs. Tyra’s mother, Dalia Vivian designed her costume. Another Hawaiian tourist, teen model Alyssa Navarro, who designed her own costume, models a yellow summer dress covered in dehydrated lemon peel. The dress is adorned with flowers covered with orange peel, grapefruit leaves fuchsia bougainvillea, and lemon pith. Orange peel is used for the center of each flower. Her designer sunglasses are covered with processed grapefruit peel. The tote bag she carries is dusted with grapefruit peel and flowers that match the ones on her dress. The strap is adorned with lemon seeds. Her one of a kind camera is covered in tangerine peel. A dehydrated grapefruit slice forms the lens while a lemon tile serves as the flash. She also wears an anklet and earrings covered with lemon pith along with a floral lei clip covered in processed tangerine peel. The second teen model Jade Ybarra as Miss Teen USO, who is making a stopover at the Pearl Harbor Visitor’s Center. Jade’s outfit is ready for sun in the Hawaiian sun as she wears a pink top fashioned of bougainvillea with a collar trimmed in dehydrated lemon slices. Her headband also features lemon slices on braided palm fronds with fresh flowers and sea shells. She wears a detachable skirt decorated with orange and grapefruit rind. Under the skirt are shorts covered in powdered citrus leaves.
Her tote is covered with citrus peel and adorned with citrus slices. Her shoes are sandals decorated with corn husk, pumpkin sunflower seeds and citrus slices. She carried as U.S. flag made from pink bougainvillea and white onion peels. In the adult division Betty Ramirez modeled the pirate Betty Washington Eayers, who was born on the pirate ship Mercury, daughter of the fierce pirate George Washington Eayers of Massachusetts. Her blouse is covered with bougainvillea and embellished with a starfish in the middle. Her pants and boots were covered with a combination of local mesquite and citrus charcoal and striped with tangerine powder. The cape she wears has the symbol of the Holly Roger, made of white onion skin with an overlay of slices of Rio Red Grapefruit. Her tricorn hat was first covered in mesquite sawdust, brushed off and smothered in age Rio Red Grapefruit rind. Accompanying her on her hat is Scuttlebutt Rat, the shrunken head of an old boyfriend and Tuna Breath Stinky, both covered with mesquite, citrus coal, ash, and bougainvillea flowers. The sword she wields is a mixture of mesquite and charcoal ash, embellished with dried prickly cactus and bougainvillea. The ornate mask is covered in powdered tangerine. She carries a treasure map in her hands to search for treasure. The map is covered with mesquite and citrus ash
and designs were drawn with Elmer’s glue mixed with the mesquite and citrus charcoal. Not all designers, especially new ones, feel confident enough to attempt an entire costume. They often get their feet wet with an entry in the hat division. In the hat division Alyssa Navarro modeled a trilby hat, like those once favored as a rich man’s hat. It is covered in crushed grapefruit peel. The back of the hat features an assorted bouquet with yellow flowers of lemon peel, orange and pink from orange peel and pink bougainvillea and lemon seeds in the centers. The hat was designed by Myling Landez, Alyssa’s mother. Gilbert Alvarez, as the Littlest Pirate, modeled the Black Pearl Hat from “Pirates of the Caribbean.” The green foundation is fashioned from citrus leaves and dehydrated citrus slices. It features a skull and crossbones of white onion peel adorned with burned citrus peel for color. A ranch of lime and cotton sit on one side of the hat. On the top is the Black Pearl Ship fashioned from burnt citrus peel. The Little Pirate could not leave home without his parrot, which is covered in dried citrus leaves with watermelon seed eyes and a beak of sunflower seeds. The hat was designed by his mother Dalia Vivian. Sara Young is Ms. Pineapple, representing the pineapple experience found at the Dole Pineapple Plantation in Hawaii. The pineapple is covered
with a blend of dehydrated citrus peels and lemon slices adorn the hat. There is a piece of burnt grapefruit peel in the center of each slice to create the spotted look. The pineapple stem is covered with crushed citrus leaves. Sara Young made and modeled the hat. Jewel Ybarra models a Treasure Pirate’s Hat covered in fuchsia bougainvillea. The skull and crossbones on the front of the hat is fashioned from dried citrus powder. A treasure chest of gold jewels is atop her hat. White palm fronds make up the feathers on the back. Princess Mahi Mahi, Miranda Vick, came from her Polynesian Paradise to visit wearing her crown composed of fresh orange leaves with handmade paper leaves dusted with dried citrus leaves beneath. The hat is covered with bright colorful flowers made from white onion skin, fresh bougainvillea petals, and powdered tangerine peel. Each flower has a burnt citrus center. The hat was designed by Rosie Olivarez.
Tyra Alvarez Primary Division First Place People’s Choice
Alyssa Navarro Second Place Teen Division
Gilbert Alvarez First Place Hat Division
Sara Young Second Place Hat Division
Mirada Vick Third Place Hat Division
Jade Ybarra First Place Teen Division
Last Saturday’s Parade of Oranges brought thousands of familiar faces who lined up along Conway Avenue to watch the parade. Among these faces are city officials such as Mission Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas and the Royal Court for the 81st Annual Texas Citrus Fiesta. However, another face that may be familiar to parade attendees, especially those who pick the corner of Kika de la Garza and Conway Avenue as their spot to view the parade, is that of Mission business owner Ben Cavazos. Cavazos, 87, is the owner of the Mission-based power equipment dealership MAE Power Equipment. However, he has served more than 40 years as an announcer of
the lineup for the Parade of Oranges. Though Cavazos in unaffiliated with the Texas Citrus fiesta, he says he finds pleasure in announcing the parade lineup to the thousands of nearby attendees. “It’s a way to give back to the community,” Cavazos explained. “I’ve been in town for so long and involved in so many organizations and I just want more ways to give back to the community. People seem to enjoy the announcements and that makes it worth it.” Cavazos recalled how his role as an announcer for the parade started as a way to fundraise money for the local chapter of the Michigan-based Kiwana Club. At the parade, his club would
By Kathy Olivarez
Perhaps the most unique style shows in the United States takes place in Mission, Texas during the Texas Citrus Fiesta. Costumes covered with citrus and other agricultural products grown in the Rio Grande Valley are featured in the show. Entries range from primary to adults. Preparing these costumes is a year-round endeavor. Many products used are seasonal and must be harvested and prepared at the time they are available. Products are dried or dehydrated and ground into fine powders to be pasted on to base costumes. Seeds and round slices of citrus fruits may be used to decorate the dresses. There is also a hat contest for those who lack the time to make a full costume. First, second and third places are chosen by the judges and the people who attend the event vote for the People’s Choice award. In the Primary/Elementary Division Tyra Alvarez took both first place and People’s Choice awards for 2018. Tyra was dressed as a
Mission native recalls more than 40 years announcing Parade of Oranges
Early Voting
February 20th - March 2nd
Election Day March 6th
sell sloppy how no one joe’s and hot announced dogs and the the parade, club set up Cavazos bea PA system gan announcto announce ing the lineup the food with to parade atCavazos as the tendees, even man speaking after Kiwana into the microdisbanded phone. two decades “We’d make ago leavat least $1,000 ing Cavazos at every pawithout anyrade easily,” thing to adBen Cavazos Cavazos revertise. called. “Even“ We ’ r e tually it grew into Kiwana still providing a service to also selling sponsorship op- the community that people portunities where for as little seem to enjoy,” Cavazos as $10, I would announce said, explaining that his PA their business as an ad while system has grown from a litI was announcing the food tle shack when he started anwe were selling.” nouncing to being housed in Eventually, after noticing a motorhome that powers the
system. Cavazos even has a few of his employees helping him out such as his son, Oscar who helps him set up the equipment an hour before the parade begins and another employee who serves as a spotter to alert Cavazos of any changes to the parade lineup via a walkie talkie. With more than 40 years announcing the parade, Cavazos remembers several incidents he’s witnessed. “When the parade allowed horses, there were so many of them that stopped at the train tracks on E. 9th St. and Conway because they were scared of crossing them,” he said. “Those train tracks caused a lot of trouble, there were so many years where a passing train blocked the parade route, making us stop
until the train passed.” That location at E. 9th St. was where Cavazos originally housed his motor home during the parade, but according to Cavazos, he was relocated to the corner of Kika de la Garza and Conway Ave. due to fears of his home blocking traffic. That location is where he’s been announcing the lineup for the last few years. “The Parade of Oranges is one that my family and I have attended for as long as I can remember,” Cavazos said. “As a kid, since we didn’t have a car my parents and I would walk from our home in McAllen to Mission to see it. Back then I never would have imagined I’d be part of it.”
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By Kathy Olivarez One of the most exciting events for the girls who are participating in the royal coronation is the Royal Ball held each year. This is their first
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Royal Reception held Jan. 20
event to wear their beautiful gowns and be introduced by their title. The event begins with the introfuction of members of the King’s Association. Then the King’s Association introduces the members of
the Royal Court, the Tangerine Court and the duchesses who are vying for the title of Queen Citrianna LXXXII. While the little girls of the Tangerine Court are allowed to use their names, the duchesses and members of the
Royal Court do not as they are being observed as part of the competition. Everyone but the current queen is eligible to win the title of queen. Those watching the girls are not to be influenced by their names or who they are
related to. Personality, poise and correctness of dress is the criteria to be observed by the judges during the ball. After the introductions are over the fun begins as the girls dance with their fathers, grandfathers, brothers,
uncles and cousins before dancing with each other. It is a time for the girls to get to know each other and make some lasting friendships with other girls in the competition.
Proud to be part of the 2018 Texas Citrus Fiesta CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW 2018 LADY-IN-WAITING
Laisha Lopez Gerardo Perez Mayor
Javier Ramirez Mayor Pro Tem
Joselito Hernandez Councilman
Leo Olivares - Interim City Manager
Linda Sarabia Councilwoman
Ricardo Villarreal Councilman
Joel Garcia Councilman
www.cityofpalmview.com
Thank You Fiesta Supporters and Workers For Another Successful Texas Citrus Fiesta Corporate Sponsors 2018 FOX, Heart of America, Entravision, MEDC, Univision, Unimas, Mix 107.9, Q94.5 The Rock, La Nueva 99.5 Mission CISD, Progress Times, Texas National Bank, Wonderful Citrus Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce Zaragoza Hinojosa, CPA Capital Farm Credit, MCM Sporting Goods, Javier Hinojosa Engineering, Peter Piper Pizza (Mission), AEP Texas, IBC Bank, South Shary Rentals, Sam’s Club, Rio Grande Juice Co., State Representative Sergio Munoz, Jr., District 36 United Health Care Madrigal’s Flower Shop, Restaurante Molcas, Running D Consulting LLC, State Representative Oscar Longoria, District 35 The Groom Room
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 2, 2018
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Fun Fair moves to new location, still draws thousands By Jose De Leon III Due to renovations being done at the Leo Peña “La Placita” Park in downtown Mission, this year’s Fun Fair was held at Market Square located next to the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce at 202 W. Tom Landry St. Despite the change and the fact that no official numbers were announced as of press time, Texas Citrus Fiesta Director Bibi Peña said she wouldn’t be surprised if the fair drew in around 10,000, which would make it even with last year’s number. The Fun Fair, which was open from 10 a.m. through 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, was part of the many activities offered to attendees as part of the 81st annual Texas Citrus Fiesta, a local celebration of the citrus industry that culminates in the Parade of Oranges. For Christina Medina, vendor chair manager of the Fun Fair, a total of 20 vendors were on hand selling food, jewelry and other goods. “It’s an extension of the parade, people can just come by here as soon as the parade
ends or even join us as they wait for it to begin,” Medina said. Among the thousands of attendees for the fair was Louise Baldwin and Lenny LaFavre, a couple from Nebraska vacationing together in Mission. The duo was among the several couples dancing together thanks to the live music the fair provided all day long. “We were interested in attending the Fiesta for years and decided this was the time to do it,” LaFevre said, adding that they came down to Mission to also visit Baldwin’s daughter. “We kept reading about it through the Winter Texan Times but never really attended it.” Another Winter Texan attending the fair was Jacqui Dahl. The 58 year old from Seattle, WA admitted she was shocked at the 71-degree weather at the fair. “It’s so cold,” she exclaimed. Dahl, who was in town visiting her father who has been coming to Mission from Montana every winter for the last 10 years, compared the Fun Fair to the festivals she’s visited back home. “It’s small compared to
what we have in Washington since we have a lot of northwest folk festivals that take up entire blocks, but it’s nice to be here and see the local stuff from the people who live here,” she said. “It’s a fun small town to visit and there’s so much to see here today.” Among the local vendors was Nydia Alvares-Alonzo a 5th grade teacher at Leo Marcell Elementary School. Alvares-Alonzo was selling citrus in a booth that was raising money for the nonprofit union Texas Classroom Teachers Association. Among the citrus she was selling was a “Peppy Lemon,” a Valley lemon with the top cut off that you drink via an old-fashioned peppermint stick as a straw. “These were a big deal in the ‘80s when I was a kid, they’d always be sold here during recess and at church jamaicas,” she said. “I wanted to bring it back and I’ve seen parents who remember eating it when they were kids and convincing their kids to try it.” For Alvares-Alonzo, whose booth was the only one in the fair that was citrus related, her booth was a
chance to remind attendees of the importance of citrus in the Valley. She uses this time of year to implement citrus into her lessons so her students are aware of the legacy of the Texas Citrus Fiesta. “I tell my students all the time ‘I don’t want Winter Texans to know more about the history of the Texas Citrus Fiesta or the local citrus than you, the people living here,”’ she said. “Students and the community need to participate in ways that lets them understand how this community was built on citrus.” Alvares-Alonzo brought up the Poteet Strawberry Festival held every April in Poteet , TX which has booths and attractions that incorporates strawberries and how she hopes future Fun Fairs will follow suit to remind attendees of citrus.
“This generation doesn’t know what they’re missing out on,” she said. “They’re not eating the natural fruit and are instead getting juice boxes and prepackaged fruit instead of citrus and juices they can get locally. Why would they do that when we have the best citrus in the world? Just like it’s important to know your U.S. and state history, so is your local history. You have to know your roots.”
Louise Baldwin and Lenny LaFavre enjoy a dance at Saturday’s TCF Fun Fair. Progress Times photo by Jose de Leon III
Special Thanks to
Mission and Mexico celebrated at annual Mayor’s International Brunch By Jose De Leon III With representatives from 25 sister cities in attendance, Saturday’s Mayor’s International Brunch was its biggest one yet and it may only get bigger. Held the morning of the Parade of Oranges as part of the Texas Citrus Fiesta, the brunch allows representatives from Mission’s Mexican sister cities to join local public officials to foster and strengthen friendships with Mexico. The latest brunch was held at Mario’s Banquet Hall at 1716 E Griffin Pkwy. During his speech, Mission Mayor Norberto “Beto” Salinas talked about how the brunch would need a new space to grow. “This coming year, we’ll have a new event center. It’ll be beautiful and be a way to have so many more people,” Salinas said of the event center that is expected to open in March and hold over 1,000 people. “We want more sister cities, but we don’t have a place for them yet,” he continued. “We need more sister cities so they can see everything we’ve done here and we can help them with whatever they need. We have so much to offer.” At the brunch, Salinas also talked about several political topics occurring nationwide that are affecting the Valley and Mexico. They included the current negotiations regarding the
800,000 individuals who are part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program - which allows unauthorized immigrants who were brought to the country as minors to stay in the country - that President Donald J. Trump announced last fall he was ending, and Trump’s announcement of ending NAFTA. “I think Trump needs more education in topics like NAFTA,” Salinas said in Spanish about the North American Free trade agreement, which eases trade between Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. “NAFTA has done so much good for us and we can’t risk losing it.” Prior to the brunch, the Mission City Council approved the signing of a sister city document with the city of Reynosa in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. Reynosa and Miguel Aleman were the two new sister cities who signed agreements with the city of Mission. According to Ruben Plata, president of the Mission Sister City Committee, Mission has similar relationships with 23 cities in 8 states in Mexico. “We can learn from each other. It’s not a business, it’s a relationship,” Plata said at the brunch. Maki Estel Dominguez, the mayor of the sister city of Reynosa, said it was a privilege to attend the brunch. “It’s a wonderful day, one of great historical importance to the city,” she
said. “From my heart, I will celebrate with all of you everything we do and help you in anyway we can. We’ll see wonderful things because of this relationship. I am honored for this opportunity.” The keynote speaker of the brunch was Rio Grande Valley native J.R. Gonzales, Founder and President of the Austin-based public relations firm JRG Communications. According to Deputy City Manager Aida Lerma, Gonzales has been cited as a source in major media outlets such as CNN Financial, National Public Radio, CBS’ Public Eye, PBS, The Washington Times, Hispanic Business, Hispanic, and Hispanic Trends. During his speech, Gonzalez praised the city of Mission and Mayor Salinas for the growth the city has undergone in the last few years. For Gonzalez, the brunch represented how Mission was innovating how a city could grow. “We all know that no community or society will be successful unless education is paramount,” he said. “If we don’t educate ourselves then we’re never going to grow. This act of bringing people from different parts of the world to experience the culture and our way of life and educate each other, it helps us have a better understanding of each other. Every bit of education is important.”
for their support of the
2018 Texas Citrus Fiesta
THE SPIRIT OF LA LOMITA MISSION LIVES HERE AT OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE PARISH Congratulations to all the participants of the 81st Annual Texas Citrus Fiesta “Hawaiian Pirate Adventures”
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) MISIONERAS CATHEQUISTAS, SR. LUPITA, DAUGHTERS OF MARY MOTHER OF MERCY: SR. ELIZABETH, SR. BIBIANA & SR. MADONNA † DEACON AYALA, DEACON CASTANEDA
MASS SCHEDULE “Texas Friendly” spoken at all masses (and confessions) 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.
CONFESSIONS
Thursday ....................................................... 6:00 P.M. Saturday......................................................... 3:00 P.M.
620 DUNLAP MISSION, TX • 585-2623 • (ONE BLOCK WEST OF CONWAY ON MAGNA DRIVE (6TH ST).
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February 2, 2018
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Mayor Norberto Salinas Welcomes Mission’s Sister Cities to the Annual Mayor’s International Brunch
Mayor Pedro Siquina Yac Almolonga, Guatemala
Guatemala Consul Christi Andino, Mayor Salinas & Mayor of Guatemala Pedro Siquina Yac
Mayor Eleuterio Villagómez Guerrero & Miss General Terán
Mayor Salinas & State Rep. Bobby Guerra
Mayor Salinas & McAllen Mayor Jim Darling
Mayor Salinas & Mayor Pedro Siquina Yac
J.R. Rodriguez, Executive Vice Chair – TAMACC
Mission Fire & Police Department Color Guard
Councilman Ruben Plata
Reynosa Delegation, w/ Mayor Maki Esther Ortiz Domínguez
Mayor Salinas & Mayor Maki Esther Ortiz Domínguez Reynosa, Tamaulipas Signing Ceremony
Mission Parks & Recreation Ballet Folklorico
Mayor Salinas & Mayor Rosa Icela Corro Acosta, Miguel Aleman Tamaulipas - Signing Ceremony
Mission Council
Visit www.missiontexas.us for all Texas Citrus Fiesta event coverage.
Mission Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Trung Nguyen
Mayor’s International Brunch Sponsors THANK YOU
King, Guerra, Davis & Garcia, P.C. The 5125 Company