A Valley Tradition Since 1932!
The Texas Citrus Fiesta
THE qUEEN
CITRIANNA
SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT
Each year, young ladies from across the Rio Grande Valley compete for the honor of the title of Queen Citrianna and the opportunity to serve on her Royal Court the following season. Each contestant holds a duchess title and represents one of the products of our beautiful valley which are reflected in the elaborate designs of their pageant dresses. While duchesses are judged based on poise, stage presence and their dress, the bulk of the competition relies on the interview. Duchesses are expected to eloquently share their knowledge of TCF history, information on their respective products, as well as how those products impact the community and citrus industry.
Activities begin in September, including orientation, team building, community service and leadership development. The actual competition takes place in January during the Coronation of Queen Citrianna and King Citrus, but the coronation is just the beginning of a year of service for the Duchess Court and the newly crowned Royal Court.
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Eligibility & Requirements
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Candidate must be enrolled in and attending high school as a sophomore, junior, and senior
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Completed application and $150 entry fee must be submitted by September 23rd (NO EXCEPTIONS)
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Candidate must be a resident or citizen of the United States.
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Candidate must be single, never married, or have an annulment of marriage.
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Candidate must not be pregnant, have children, or have cohabited with a significant other.
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Candidate must be a natural born female.
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Candidate must be a good role model and not have been convicted of any crime.
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Candidate must represent a title she has not held before as a duchess.
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If chosen as a duchess, candidate must inform Texas Citrus Fiesta if planning to participate in any other pageants between September 2026- December 2027.
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If chosen, candidate must be willing to participate in activities until December of 2027.
Key Dates & Schedule
Sept 23, 2026
Application Deadline
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No Exceptions
sept 27, 2026
Mandatory Orientation
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1PM at MEC
oct 5-10, 2026
Dress sketch, description and materials due to TCF by 5pm
nov 16-20, 2026
Dress Critiques
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By appointment
only
dec 14, 2026
Final dress description, color photos, contestant bio and page bio due
dec 21, 2026
Program Ads​
due to TCF Office by 6PM
Jan 4-5, 2027
Parade Application Due to TCF Office by 6PM
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jan 17, 2027
Contestant Interviews-
Closed to Public
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jan 24, 2027
Coronation Rehearsal
6:30PM at MEC
Jan 25, 2027
Product Costume Style Show​
6:30PM MEC
(call time will be earlier)
Jan 27, 2027
Royal Coronation
6:30 PM at MEC (call time will be earlier)
JAN 29, 2027
Royal Ball
7PM at MEC
(call time will be earlier)
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jan 30, 2027
Fun Fair
2:00 - 10PM
Leo Pena Placita Park
Jan 30, 2027
Parade of Oranges
2:00PM
(call time will be earlier)
JAN 31, 2027
Fun Fair
2:30 - 11PM
Leo Pena Placita Park