Mission residents gather for Parade of Oranges

MISSION — Sophia Flores gathered the puffy skirt of her ball gown and tiptoed around a cluster of tiny young girls before perching herself on a seat atop the float.

Sophia, 17, was preparing to ride the glittery, mobile display down Conway Avenue in Mission during the city's annual Parade of Oranges - just one among nearly a dozen other girls chosen to represent the city's "royal court" at its Texas Citrus Fiesta on Saturday.

"It's neat," Sophia said about getting to participate in the procession. "It's every little girl's dream to be a princess."

About 100,000 gathered to watch the girls wave from the float, along with about 116 other exhibitors, including schools and nonprofit organizations in the area, said Berta Filut, the event's executive director.

"This is one of the (Rio Grande) Valley's biggest events," Filut said. "The crowd has not stopped since 10 (a.m.)"

The event's theme this year was a salute to the armed forces, and several exhibitors were veterans organizations in the Valley.

"It's just a great way to sit back, kick back and relax," said Lillie Vasquez, whose parents were preparing to walk with America's Last Patrol, a nonprofit veterans organization in the Valley. "It's kind of chilly, but it's fun."

Diana Rodriguez, who was there with her daughter Isela, said she attended the event every year because it was a fun way to spend time with her family.

"It's a tradition for us," Rodriguez said as she and her family sat on lounge chairs and waited for the illuminated floats to make their way past their spot. "It's supporting the city."

"And it's fun," her daughter chimed in.

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Ana Ley covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. She can be reached at (956) 683-4428.