Citrus Fiesta controversy could cause city to lose control of celebration
Just before the spotlights illuminated the glamour of local royalty, ball gowns, and tiaras in Mission recently, a storm brewed among the volunteer organizers of the Texas Citrus Fiesta (TCF). That storm could result in the Texas Citrus Kings Association moving future events out of city hands and back under its own direction.
TCF board member Kristina Silva resigned on January 7, less than three weeks before the annual festivities began. The email she sent to the Mission City Council stated her departure, after 18 years of volunteer service, was effective immediately.
Silva wrote that the decision to resign was not made lightly.
“It is the result of ongoing and unresolved issues with the current director,” Silva wrote. “Unfortunately, I am no longer able to serve under leadership that does not align with the standards of professionalism, trust and collaboration that I upheld throughout my years of service to the organization.”
Silva, who did not return phone calls seeking comment, also wrote that she would be willing to volunteer again if a change in TCF leadership occurred.
TCF’s current executive director is Amy Tijerina, who is a city employee and served as its event director before Mission took over the management of the 94-year old celebration of the citrus harvest from the Kings Association in 2024.
Tijerina appeared to take Silva’s letter in stride.
“All directors lead differently,” Tijerina told the Progress Times. “We all have different visions, and I’m so grateful for the board’s guidance and recommendations. At the end of the day, I have to do what’s best for the organization.”
About two years ago, TCF was absorbed by Mission, and it operates much like other city departments. The Texas Citrus Kings Association retained the TCF license, and the city is allowed to host its events through an agreement which requires approval each year. A board of directors, appointed by the city council, needs final approval by the Kings Association as well.
“This is a partnership, and they can pull it,” said Mayor Norie Gonzalez Garza. “They let us use it for a year, it’s not a guaranteed Mission event.”
The city risks the loss of hosting privileges after the TCF board of directors sent a letter of concern to the city on February 10, Gonzalez Garza said, and she described that possible loss as a tragedy.
“I’m hoping that’s not the case, and I hope they understand the majority of us are pleased with the progress in last few years,” Gonzalez Garza said, as she spoke highly of Tijerina’s performance at the helm of TCF.
“I think Amy has great vision, she has that talent, and she does very well with the fiesta,” Gonzalez Garza said. “Everyone is involved, it’s not just Amy, it’s the board, and the collaboration between the city and the kings. Everything improved so much the past few years, including the attendance at the parade, the product costume show, and the coronation and the ball.”
The mayor said a meeting was scheduled between the city and a few board and kings’ representatives to address the concerns.
“I always think it’s a great idea to get in a room and talk and clarify things,” Gonzalez Garza said. “If everyone is on same page regarding responsibilities and expectations, it makes things flow a little smoother.”
Former King Citrus Ted Prukop serves as a liaison between the TCF board and the Kings Association, and he told the Progress Times on Wednesday that the kings are very happy with Amy’s management of the ceremonies and parade.
“We don’t really pay attention to the day to day operations of it, that’s the director’s job,” Prukop said. “It says in our by-laws that we are not to give the director individual instruction, and I think there was a misconception that Kristina thought she would have a bigger say so.”
“No one has ever approached me with complaints,” Prukop added. “The events are going well. Every organization has hiccups, and people like to talk and spread junk. As far as the kings are concerned right now, we don’t see any problems.”
An agreement between Mission and the Kings Association that would allow the citrus city to play TCF host next year is awaiting approval.
“I think we’re going to be fine,” Gonzalez Garza said.
I truly believe that TCF should go back to the way it was. It’s so sad that they have lost the true meaning of Tradition. Ms. Tijerina obviously has the wrong vision for Tradition and something seriously must be done before they completely loose sight of what the Texas Citrus Fiesta is all about. Many people put alot work into it. It used to be a BIG event till the City took over. No more BBQ cook off, no shoebox floats, no more carnival ect. It seems like the TFC doesn’t want to do the work like before. I’ve been there so yes I know the amount of time and what it takes to put on this event.
It’s too bad Prukop does not seem to take in consideration the humble people of Mission that could not attend the after celebration because it is too far. The parade was a mess
Too many wide gaps, no organization… the bands were all next to each other and we could not hear them without hearing the other. Terrible way to lineup the floats as if two 8th graders decided the lineup. No insult to 8th graders though.
Maybe it’s time for new leadership all around. Maybe Amy needs to seek employment elsewhere. The city of mission seems to be her playground at the tax payer’s expense. It’s time for change. This city is constantly on the news outlets in a negative manner and the city has become a disgrace and a joke. Maybe there’s more to the relationship between Amy and the “mayor”, since she gets moved around and paid a ton with no consequences for her behavior. Maybe ‘karma’ has finally made its way to Amy.