Texas Citrus Fiesta - Texas Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

Marker Title: Texas Citrus Fiesta
Address:
City: Mission
County: Hidalgo
Subject Codes: agriculture, general; fairs and festivals
Year Marker Erected: 1989
Designations: na
Marker Location: 1420 E. Kiko De Lia Garza Loop, at Entry to Lions Park, Mission
Marker Size: 27" x 42"

Marker Number: 5255 Marker Text: In the 1920s John H. Shary, citrus grower and local developer, began plans to promote locally grown citrus crops on a large scale. The first Texas Citrus Fiesta, with the theme "Coronation and Pageant of Citrus" was held in 1932 with the same promotional purpose. Among the events in the one-day celebration were a coronation ceremony for Fiesta royalty, citrus exhibits, fruit packing contests, a flying circus, a football game, and a parade. Two years later the Fiesta was a four-day event held in Lions Park, and the fiesta style show was introduced. Over the years the Fiesta has grown into a two-week event, with added events such as an outdoor festival, barbeques, and a carnival. The product costume style show, for which costumes are made from local agricultural products, has become one of the most popular annual events. The Texas Citrus Fiesta has evolved into a notable cultural event in the Rio Grande Valley. Many prominent citizens have served as Fiesta royalty over the years. The purpose of the annual event has remained that of John H. Shary's vision--to promote the area's citrus industry on a large scale. (1989)

Visit Instructions:
Please include a picture in your log. You and your GPS receiver do not need to be in the picture. We encourage additional information about your visit (comments about the surrounding area, how you ended up near the marker, etc.) in the log.

Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log   02/04/2014 PeterNoG visited it