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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Texas is known for the richness and variety of its |
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agricultural bounty, and the 72nd Texas Citrus Fiesta in Mission, |
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which took place during the last week of January 2009, celebrated |
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the importance of the fruit industry to the culture and economy of |
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the Rio Grande Valley; and |
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WHEREAS, The first Citrus Fiesta in 1932 highlighted the |
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Valley's bountiful winter harvest of grapefruit and oranges and |
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began the colorful tradition of crowning a King Citrus and Queen |
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Citrianna and their royal court; every city in the region further |
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appoints a duchess to represent its community at the coronation; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, Held annually since World War II, the fiesta is |
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enjoyed by thousands of attendees from the United States and |
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Mexico; they gather to participate in a range of special events, |
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including a fashion exhibition of costumes made from citrus |
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products and the spectacular Parade of Oranges showcasing floats |
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decorated with fruit and other agricultural products from the area; |
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and |
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WHEREAS, This year's Citrus Fiesta was presided over by King |
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Citrus Tom Aderhold, who throughout his life has been a leader in |
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the Valley's citrus industry; sharing the throne was Queen |
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Citrianna Lauren Yvanna Guerra, who was supported by the members of |
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the royal court: Maria Apolonia Calderon, the Princess of |
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Grapefruit Blossom, Katheryn Hinojosa, the Princess of Orange |
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Blossom, and Sophia Anyssa Flores, the Lady in Waiting; and |
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WHEREAS, The members of the Tangerine Court were Ryann Avery |
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Ramirez, the 59th Princess Anna, Madison Nicole Gerlach, the |
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Princess of Lemon Blossom, Kayla Nicole Cantu, the Princess of Lime |
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Blossom, Myrhissa Calen Ortega, the Princess of Tangerine Blossom, |
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and Jenna Renee Hard, the Princess of Grapefruit Blossom; also |
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presented at the court's coronation were 18 duchesses from the |
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region; and |
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WHEREAS, For more than 70 years, the combination of |
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agricultural abundance and the vibrant community spirit in the Rio |
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Grande Valley has helped make the Texas Citrus Fiesta one of the |
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landmark cultural events in the Lone Star State, and this |
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outstanding Texas tradition is truly deserving of special |
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recognition; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas |
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Legislature hereby pay tribute to the 72nd Texas Citrus Fiesta and |
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extend to the royal court and duchesses best wishes for a successful |
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and exciting reign. |