1954 – The Florida Citrus Exposition in Winter Haven, Florida was held this week. According to the St. Petersburg Times:”… an estimated quarter-million visitors from every state in the Union, all of Canada and many foreign countries” were expected to attend. The theme of the Expo was ‘Florida Sunshine’ and included: four huge permanent buildings jammed with citrus exhibits, demonstrations of the newest developments in the citrus culture, production, packing and processing, and all the newest grove machinery and equipment on display. During the week, events included a beauty contest with the winner being given the titles ‘Florida Citrus Queen’ and ‘Miss Florida’. From the Times: “…the lucky girl will represent the big industry through the year at such things as conventions, super market openings and other events over the country, and will receive an all-expense trip to Switzerland, in addition to valuable awards of clothing, luggage, jewelry and cosmetics.” Other events: Coronation Ball; ‘Mayo Day’ (honoring the commissioner of agriculture for Florida, Nathan Mayo); Fresh Fruit Day (including the Fresh Fruit Contest and the annual Fruitmen’s Dinner); ‘Governor’s Day’ (with an invitational luncheon honoring Acting Governor Charley E. Johns) and ‘Press Day’, during which “….political figures and situations, big and little, will be subjected to the searing gridiron type lampooning thought up by newsmen from all over the state.”