Reprint from the Progress Times - November 9, 2007
©Progress Times 2007 - All Rights Reserved

Citrus Fiesta chooses Princesses, Duchesses

By Kathy Olivrez

Ashley Renee Tijerina was selected as Princess Anna 58th and will reign over the Tangerine Court at the 2008 Texas Citrus Fiesta, which will be the kick-off event for the City of Mission’s centennial celebration. Two additional princesses and five duchesses have also been selected.

Ashley, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arturo Tijerina of Mission, was selected at the Princess Anna Pageant held Sunday, November 4 at the Mission Community Center. She succeeds Princess Anna 57th Natalie Sue Martin of Mission. Three additional princesses and two alternates were chosen for the Tangerine Court. Serving with Princess Anna will be the following Princesses:

- Princess of Lemon Blossom Emily Nicole Guerrero, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Oton J. Tony Guerrero.

- Princess of Lime Blossom Marla Victoria Salinas, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo Salinas.

- Princess of Tangerine Blossom Samantha Nicole Ayala, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ayala.

Chosen as alternates were Mia Celeste Castillo, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eriberto Castillo, and Isabela Yasmin Ramirez, daughter of Raul Ramirez and Maria Elena Hernandez.

Members of the Tangerine Court will take part in all Fiesta activities.

Texas Citrus Fiesta Duchesses were chosen at a separate pageant held November 1. Selected as Duchesses to represent Mission, were:

- Duchess of Star Ruby Grapefruit Sofia Anyssa Flores, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Flores.

- Duchess of Ruby Red Grapefruit Amanda Christine Mendoza, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Xavier Mendoza.

- Duchess of Honeydew Vanessa Lee Reyna, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ramon Lee Reyna.

- Duchess of Eggplant Myranda Chelsea Broadwater, daughter of Mr. Micheal L. Broadwater and Ms. Dora L. Broadwater.

Duchesses named to represent Sharyland were:

- Duchess of Pink Grapefruit Kathryn Hinojosa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Zaragosa Hinojosa Jr.

- Duchess of Marsh White Seedless Grapefruit Brianna Ylsa Garza, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gabby Garza.

The pageants are preliminary events for the upcoming Texas Citrus Fiesta in January when Duchesses from throughout the Valley will be vying for he 2009 Queen Citrianna title. The Fiesta kicks off with the Royal Reception Ball January 19 at Mario’s Banquet and Convention Center.

Other Fiesta events include the:

- Coronation of King Citrus and Queen Citrianna, Thursday, January 24.

- Product Costume Show and Royal Finale, Friday, January 25

- Parade of Oranges, Saturday, January 26. This year’s parade will be the first night parade in the 70-year history of the Citrus Fiesta.

- Fun Fair and Vaquero Cook-off, Saturday, January 26.

- Citrus Youth Show, Saturday, January 26.