Next up for the Ripon Blossom Festival is the virtual fashion show.

A video of the event at Calvary Reformed Church featuring  Miss Ripon/Almond Blossom Festival Queen candidates Jaedyn Hendryx, Gabrielle Martin, Katelyn Cardoza, Rylie Kackley, Emma Phelps, Naomi Wilbur, Kalani Kahandawala, Brenda Vega, Abigail Thompson and Riley Rangel will be shown on Feb. 22 via Facebook and the Ripon Chamber of Commerce website.

They'll be displaying the latest styles from local boutique, Faux Glow, according to Chamber President and CEO Kelly Donohue.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the actual Almond Blossom Festival for this year is cancelled but the Miss Ripon / Almond Blossom Queen Contest is still a go while following CDC safety protocols.

"We'll still make it fun and special for the girls," said Donohue, who indicated that the coronation on Feb. 25 at 5 p.m. will be livestreamed.

The time of the virtual fashion show has yet to be announced.

The 10 local girls recently took part in the speech contest involving this year's festival grand marshals, the Ripon Consolidated Fire District led by longtime fire Chief Dennis Bitters.

The annual parade was also canceled.

The traditional Ripon Lions Club Almond Blossom Spaghetti Dinner will take in a drive thru format.

It is set for Saturday, Feb. 27, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the VFW Post parking lot with entrance from South Olive Avenue.

It will feature spaghetti, salad, and bread. Advance tickets are $10 per person.

Tickets are available from any Lion member, Darryl Bartels Insurance, 210 S. Stockton; Ripon Chamber of Commerce, 104 S. Stockton, of Jack Doornewaard at (209) 495-9089.