RIPON — The Ripon Chamber of Commerce is holding their 50th Annual Almond Blossom Kick-off and Tribute Dinner on Thursday, Jan. 12, at Spring Creek Golf & Country Club.

No-host social hour will be at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $30 per person and are on sale at the Ripon Chamber office, 929 West Main Street, Ripon.  Deadline to buy tickets is Tuesday, Jan. 3.  Tickets will not be sold at the door.

This year’s theme is “The 50th Anniversary of the Almond Blossom Festival”.  Grand Marshal was to be the late Francis E. Bodeson, President of the Chamber in 1962. His children will be representing him throughout the festival.

Queen candidates will have a personal interview with the judges, and then give their three-minute speeches for judging. Candidates this year are:  Graelyn Pope, daughter of Jill Hardin and Shayne Pope; Lauren Nicole Westra, daughter of Debbie Page; Leslie Lopez, daughter of Stephanie and Diego Lopez; Taylor Clarke, daughter of Shelly Clark; Lauren Anne Hogan, daughter of Mike and Kristen Hogan; Jenavieve Marie Kisst, daughter of John and Tamela Kisst; Michaela Kathleen Dole, daughter of Jamie Dole; Jessica Abigail Apfel, daughter of Jan Apfel; Ashley Brooke Bloemhof, daughter of Tim and Connie Bloemhof, Katherine Genevieve Ratto; daughter of Mollie Ratto; and Baily Kay Taberna, daughter of Gina and Tony Taberna.  The candidates are now out selling tickets to friends, neighbors and businesses.