Miss Florida Citrus Program Still Growing Strong After 100 Years
February 6, 2024 This year marks a new milestone for the Miss Florida Citrus program — 100 years! The first Florida Citrus Queen (formerly known as) was crowned in 1924. So, who will take the Miss Florida Citrus and Miss Winter Haven titles in 2024 as part of the Golden Gala Celebration? Winners will be crowned on March 1 at the Nora Mayo Hall in Winter Haven.
Contestants not only will be competing for the titles of Miss Florida Citrus and Miss Winter Haven, but also a chance to earn more than $2,000 in scholarship money. Candidates will take part in private interviews, on stage conversation, health & fitness, Talent/HERStory, and evening gown in this Miss America preliminary pageant. Winners will go on to the Miss Florida competition in June.
Check out a video of last year’s Miss Florida Citrus winner Casana Fink.
The Miss Florida Citrus 2024 festivities don’t end with the pageant. The following night (March 2) will feature a Golden Gala Celebration. The special gathering is meant to honor all the Florida Citrus Queen/Miss Florida Citrus titleholders over the years. It also will be held at Nora Mayo Hall.
Numerous representatives will be on hand to welcome their newest member and reflect on their impact in marketing Florida citrus, says Brenda Eubanks Burnette, Executive Director of the Florida Citrus Hall of Fame and former Florida Citrus Queen. This will include a highlight reel showcasing their appearances “over the years.”
“From photos with dolphins at the Miami Seaquarium to photos on top of the sign for the host hotel of the annual pageant, these women worked overtime to sell Florida’s No. 1 agricultural industry.”
Despite having a full century under its belt now, Eubanks Burnette says the relevance of the Miss Florida Citrus program has remained strong. It wouldn’t be that way without a truly unique citrus sisterhood.
“These ladies helped frame a wholesome look representative of the crop that remains a nutritious ray of sunshine 100 years later,” she adds. “And although today’s queens don’t have the rigorous appearance schedule of those in the past, they could and can still make a difference through good marketing efforts, if only applied – especially in today’s social media world.”
Miss Florida Citrus Pageant and Golden Gala Celebration Info
For more information about tickets to the pageant and gala, visit floridacitrushalloffame.com/mfc and/or email Eubanks Burnette at [email protected].
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