77TH PRINCESS ANNA PAGEANT APPLICATION

The Princess Anna Pageant is a proud tradition of the Texas Citrus Fiesta, created to celebrate the charm, confidence, and community spirit of young girls across the Rio Grande Valley. This program provides participants with a meaningful opportunity to grow in self-confidence, develop communication skills, and create lasting memories while honoring our region’s rich citrus heritage.

Those selected as members of the Tangerine Court will serve as official representatives of the Texas Citrus Fiesta. As ambassadors, they will have the opportunity to meet new people, engage with the community, and travel throughout the state by participating in parades, festivals, and other invited events.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Contestant must be 6 years old on or before October 31, 2027

• Completed application must be submitted by August 5 (NO EXCEPTIONS)

• Entry Fee - $100.00

• Copy of Birth Certificate is required to be submitted with application

• All application fields must be completed in full

KEY DATES AT A GLANCE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2026 – Application and Payment Deadline (NO EXCEPTIONS)

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

TEXAS CITRUS FIESTA OFFICE

220 E 9th ST.

MISSION, TX 78572

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2026 – Princess Anna Orientation (MANDATORY -

contestant plus one guardian)

6:00 PM

TEXAS CITRUS FIESTA OFFICE

220 E 9th ST.

MISSION, TX 78572

MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2026 - Pageant Items Due & Dress Critiques

(Appointment REQUIRED)

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

TEXAS CITRUS FIESTA OFFICE

220 E 9th ST.

MISSION, TX 78572

REQUIRED ITEMS:

• Dress Sketch

• Completed personal biography information page

• Dress & Shoes Photos: full-length, colored photographs of the contestant wearing dress (front and back of the dress) & individual picture of shoes and other accessories

• For Dress Critique Appointment: Bring in - dress, shoes, gloves, jewelry, etc.

• PLEASE CALL THE TEXAS CITRUS FIESTA OFFICE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT BETWEEN 9 AM TO 5 PM.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2026 – Princess Anna Pageant Rehearsal

6:00 PM

MISSION EVENT CENTER

200 N SHARY RD

MISSION, TX 78572

MANDATORY ATTENDANCE - Contestant plus one guardian.

FAILURE to attend forfeits your participation in the Princess Anna Pageant

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2026 - Princess Anna Pageant Day

9:30 AM – Contestant Arrival

(Contestant + 1 Guest only, arrive fully dressed)

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM – Interviews

(bring water and a snack that will not stain dresses)

12:45 PM – Doors Open to Public

1:30 PM – Pageant Begins

MISSION EVENT CENTER

200 N SHARY RD

MISSION, TX 78572

WHAT TO EXPECT

Participants will take part in two main portions of the pageant:

INTERVIEW:

Each contestant will be interviewed by a panel of 3 judges. Contestants will only be identified by their contestant number during the interview. The contestant order will be drawn at random by the Texas Citrus Fiesta Director. The girls will be advised of their number on rehearsal day. Interviews will be 5 minutes each and contestants are NOT to shake the judges’ hands or say their names.

Once the interview portion begins, the contestants will be seated and supervised by staff and the Princess Anna Committee. Guests will be escorted to a waiting room until all contestants have finished their interview. Once interviewed, a committee member will guide the contestant to her guest for snack time. Before the pageant begins, the girls will be escorted back to their seats.

STAGE PRESENTATION:

Then each contestant will participate in an onstage presentation before the same panel of judges and an audience. The presentation will consist of a curtesy to the sitting court and a stage walk.

DRESS REQUIREMENTS:

ALLOWED:

• Must be a party dress hemmed to 6 inches from the floor (neither shorter nor longer)

• Dress should be age-appropriate for a 6-year-old girl.

• White or Ivory colored tights are Required, NOT socks.

• Must wear Mary Jane shoes.

• Plain white gloves that are wrist-length and without adornments are mandatory.

• Only a small hair bows or clips are permitted

• Stud earrings are permitted (must be approved by office)

NOT ALLOWED:

• No spaghetti straps or be off the shoulder.

• No feathers, heavy beading, or deep V-shaped neckline in the front or back.

• No stand-up collars and tiaras

• No makeup

• No up-dos or dyed hair (hair should be age-appropriate and natural)

• No rhinestone headbands.

• No dangling earrings or other jewelry is permitted

JUDGING CRITERIA

Dresses will be evaluated according to the criteria outlined in the Dress Grooming Section of the Judging Guidelines. Failure to adhere to the guidelines will result in the deduction of 3-points from your total score.

Parent, guardian, or contestant must consent to absolve Texas Citrus Fiesta and its Board of Directors of liability for any loss or injury incurred by the contestant, parent or guardian. The panel of contestants and their parent or guardian will follow the guidelines established by the Texas Citrus Fiesta. The judges will judge using the Guidelines set forth by the Texas Citrus Fiesta Board of Directors.

Judging is based on the following:

• Dress/Grooming – 10 points

• Over All Appearance – 15 points

• Beauty, Poise, and Stage Presence – 15 points Interview – 60

1. DRESSING/GROOMING - 10 POINTS

• All contestants are required to wear a party dress. The dress must be hemmed to six inches from the floor. The style of the dress should be appropriate for a 6-year-old girl—not too grown up for her age. Dresses are judged on a point system. All contestants must wear white wrist-length gloves.

• The contestant’s hair should be styled, befitting a 6-year-old girl. Buns are not allowed; her bows and barrettes should be worn to flatter the 6-year-old girl, not distract from her appearance. She needs to look neat and put together. Tiaras and headbands are not allowed.

2. OVERRALL APPEARANCE - 15 POINTS

• In this category, the judges will adhere to the guidelines regarding dress, hair, shoes, and accessory requirements.

3. BEAUTY, POISE, AND STAGE PRESENCE - 15 POINTS

• Judges are looking for natural beauty and self-confidence. Eye contact with the judges is encouraged. A poised contestant carries herself well, shoulders back and straight while walking on stage. Contestants do not need to be perfect runway models.

  
  

4. INTERVIEW - 60 POINTS

• Judges may ask general questions such as: questions about their siblings, parents, school, and hobbies. The questions are age-appropriate and can be answered by any 6-year-old girl. Our single concern is, "Can our Princesses communicate with the public?"

TANGERINE COURT TITLES

The following titles will be awarded:

• Princess Anna the 77th

• Princess of Lemon Blossom

• Princess of Lime Blossom

• Princess of Tangerine Blossom

• Princess of Red Grapefruit Blossom

• 1st Alternate

• 2nd Alternate

  
  

Additionally, winners will also be awarded:

• Official Crown (must remain unaltered)

• Satin Embroidered Sash (must remain unaltered)

• Flowers

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TANGERINE COURT

Winners will serve as ambassadors of the Texas Citrus Fiesta, as the newly appointed 77th Tangerine Court. It is MANDATORY to attend and participate in the following Texas Citrus Fiesta events:

• Attend New Royal Court & Duchess Orientation – Sunday, September 27, 2026 (details below)

• Attend Royal Ball – Saturday, January 23, 2027

• Coronation of new King Citrus and Queen Citrianna – Thursday, January 28, 2027

• Participate in Parade of Oranges – Saturday, January 30, 2027

• Any and all other parades and events directed by the Texas Citrus Fiesta Director.

MANDATORY Orientation for New Royal Court & Duchesses

The newly chosen Tangerine Court MUST attend the New Court Orientation.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2026 at 1:00 PM

MISSION EVENT CENTER

200 N SHARY RD

MISSION, TX 78572

PRINCESS ANNA PAGEANT DAY SCHEDULE

ATTIRE:

Wear the same outfit worn at the Princess Anna Pageant.

LOCATION:

MISSION EVENT CENTER

200 N SHARY RD

MISSION, TX 78572

9:30 AM – Contestant Arrival (Contestant + 1 Guest only, arrive fully dressed)

10:00 AM – 12:30 PM – Interviews (bring water and a snack that will not stain dresses)

12:45 PM – Doors Open to Public

1:30 PM – Pageant Begins

TICKETS:

1. Guests (3 years and older): $10.00

2. Children 2 years and under: Free (must sit on lap)

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

• Practice answering simple questions

• Encourage confidence and eye contact

• Keep appearance natural and age-appropriate Most importantly: have fun and enjoy the experience!

ALL FIELDS ARE REQUIRED TO BE COMPLETED FOR APPLICATION TO BE CONSIDERED COMPLETE.

DEADLINE FOR FORMS AND PAYMENT:

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2026 – 6:00 P.M. 220 E 9th ST. MISSION, TX 78572

NO EXCEPTIONS