The 56th Annual Ripon Almond Blossom Festival fashion show takes place Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Ripon Community Center.
The theme for the show and the festival is “Once Upon a Time” honoring the Ripon Historical Society.
Tickets for the event are limited and those wishing to attend are urged to purchase them early at the Chamber of Commerce office at 104 South Stockton Avenue. The chamber is open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for senior citizens 55 and above. 
The five candidates for Almond Blossom queen along with the current Miss Ripon Jessica Harlan will be modeling two outfits each – one business and one casual. They are also expected to be modeling their evening gowns that will be worn at the coronation event on Feb. 22. Queen contest coordinator Laura Roots Spence will be directing the ceremonies.
The princesses are Saylor De Abreu, Savanna Mendoza, Kate Phelps, Elysia medina and Gianna Smith. They are all juniors either at Ripon High or Ripon Christian High.
The girls’ hair and makeup are being prepped by a professional stylist while outfits are coming from stores in Modesto.
The princesses are selling raffle tickets as part of their preliminary duties in reaching for the coveted crown.
The money derived from the ticket sales will go toward an educational scholarship for the princess who is chosen as the new Almond Blossom Queen and then serves throughout the coming year as Miss Ripon for community events. 
Prior to the coronation in the smaller of the two Community Center halls, the Ripon Lions Club will serve its spaghetti dinner on Thursday, Feb, 22, from 4:30 until 7:30 p.m. with a choice of wines in the main hall.  
For further information on the fashion show and the festival call the chamber office at 599-7519 and speak with Rose Murphy or Lindsay Fields.  

To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.