Mission unveils new Texas Citrus Fiesta float featuring grapefruit motif

City of Mission officials and festival participants unveiled a new float for the Texas Citrus Fiesta, featuring a grapefruit motif and the city’s updated logo, organizers said.

The float was presented at a civic event attendees described as a celebration of Mission’s citrus heritage and an opportunity to promote the local citrus industry. “We are so excited to have this unveiling and a new float. Not only does it mean a lot for the girls, but to us and to the King's King's Association,” said Speaker 1, an event participant.

Queen Citricana, who said she would be the first to ride the float, called the design “beautiful,” highlighting the grapefruit element and the “new logo in the back” as expressions of “Mission pride.” Queen Citricana said, “I feel so grateful to be the queen citricana who gets to be the first to ride this beautiful new float. I just think it's beautiful. I mean, the new touches of having the grapefruit on there, our new logo in the back, I think it really shows Mission pride, and I just am so grateful.”

Another speaker noted the ceremony’s timing and attendance and described the float as “synonymous with Texas Citrus Fiesta.” “The unveiling was perfect. Couldn't have a better day for it. It's great to have the mayor here and the city council and all of the court,” said Speaker 3, an event participant. Speaker 3 added that the float is a “wonderful opportunity to continue to promote the citrus industry.”

Participants also linked the float to local tradition and history. “A lot of tradition, a lot of history here within the city of Mission. This is an iconic item,” Speaker 1 said, adding that the float provides something new to share with the community.

Organizers did not announce any formal votes, budget actions, or follow-up directions at the event. No statutes, ordinances, or formal motions were referenced in the remarks included in the transcript.