MISSION—From the very first celebration held in 1932, the Texas Citrus Fiesta has been a grand event with King Citrus and Queen Citrianna reigning over the various Fiesta activities. Over the years, Fiesta traditions have become mainstays for the community – especially for those who have shared a role in the festivities.

Read more: A Royal Duty: Fiesta holds training camp for 6 year olds

ALTON—The City of Alton has a new fire chief – a man with considerable experience and an impressive list of fire fighting credentials.

Originally from Rio Grande City, Alton Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Javier Garcia has spent 16 years of his 30-year fire career in McAllen. There Garcia worked his way from fire fighter to lieutenant.Since then he has also served as Rio Grande City’s fire chief and as deputy fire marshal for Hidalgo County.

Read more: Alton welcomes new fire chief to growing department

MISSION—The Annual Texas Citrus Fiesta Product Costume Show has been around for decades, a competition that isn’t like any other, Girl Scout Troop 162 leader Rosie Olivarez said. Scouts, from her troop and neighboring troops, between the ages of eight and 17 have participated, though it is no easy task.

Read more: Learning the art of Citrus Fiesta

MISSION – At just 19 years old, Mission native and University of North Carolina star midfielder Mikey López is living his childhood dream of becoming a professional soccer player.

Read more: Mission native Mikey Lopez signs with MLS

The deadline to register for entering the annual Mission Quilt Show is Saturday, Jan. 5. The show will be held at the Mission Historical Museum Annex, located at 200 E. Tom Landry. Show dates are Jan. 12 through Feb. 9.

Read more: Last Chance to Register

In a special meeting held New Year’s Day, the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court approved $631,000 of the approximately $1.9 million in salary increases and new positions asked for in their final meeting of 2012. Other requests will be reconsidered during their January 8 meeting.

Read more: County Commissioners approve $631,000 in pay hikes, new positions

MISSION—Cycling, pageants and education are three passions that fuel the life of Miss Hidalgo County 2013, Maritza Jimenez. The Mission native has received the title of Miss Hidalgo County 2013, an opportunity she has been hoping for, for the last three years.

Jimenez was born in Harlingen, and moved to Mission at 5 years of age. She graduated from Mission High School and attended Southwest Texas State (Texas State University-San Marcos) and the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA).

Currently, Jimenez works at UTPA as an academic advisor for the Migrant Program. Jimenez admits she started in pageants to cure her shyness as a child.

Read more: Mission native named Miss Hidalgo County 2013

The Palmview High School (PHS) Mariachi “Los Lobos” and Grupo Folklorico “Ozomatli” groups will bring a Hispanic flare to the 57^th Inaugural Parade in January. The Palmview Lobos were chosen to perform for Barack Obama from nearly 2,800 marching bands, musical acts and drill teams that applied to be part of the historical event.

“The talented groups chosen to participate in the Inaugural Parade reflect the spirit, values and diversity of our great nation,” President Barack Obama said in a statement released by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. “Vice President Biden and I are honored to have them join us in the parade.”

Read more: PHS’s Mariachi and Folklorico groups chosen to perform in Inaugural Parade