Fifteen queen candidates will be featured at Thursday’s kick-off event for the 60th annual Almond Blossom Festival at Ripon City Hall, 259 N. Wilma Ave.

“Come help us begin the festivities with speeches from our Miss Almond Blossom Court about this year’s grand marshal – the Ripon Garden Club,” the Ripon Chamber of Commerce recently announced via social media.

The queen candidates are all juniors residing in Ripon or attending one of the local schools. They’ll be formally introduced at the kick-off event scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

The cost is $10 with tickets available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/almond-blossom-kick-off-reception-2022-tickets.

The candidates vying for Miss Ripon / Almond Blossom Queen will highlight the evening by giving speeches on this year’s theme “Plant, nurture it, watch it grow,” honoring the Ripon Garden Club.

The queen coronation is planned for Feb. 24.

The upcoming events will include:

• Vendor Fair and Carnival at Mistlin Park on Feb 24 through Feb. 27.
• The annual Bake Off is planned on Thursday, Feb. 24, beginning at 7 p.m.
• Almond Blossom Festival Fun Run, featuring 8K or 1-mile races, Feb. 26. Participants will receive a shirt, medal and goodie bag.
• The Diaper Derby hosted by the Calvary Reformed Church MOPS will take place that day (Feb. 26) beginning at 10 a.m. at the Ripon High North Gym.
• Almond Blossom Festival Parade will begin at 1 p.m. on Feb. 26.

For more information, log on to www.riponchamber.org.