The Miss Almond Blossom/Miss Ripon Queen candidates were announced at last week’s kick-off event.

Among this year’s title hopefuls are Shay Cunningham, Annie Wild, Makenzie Loechler, Hailey Knief, Ines Rodriguez, Brianna Alvarez, Jade Diaz, Katherine Van Unen, Chloe Price, Paris Ferrill, Ruth Visser, Kacy Thurman, Brooke Barros, Briley Perez and Heaven Elisary.

Next up for the 15 local girls are the Miss Almond Blossom Fashion Show scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16, at Calvary Reformed Church.

Tickets are $10 and are available on Eventbrite or in the Chamber office at 104 S. Stockton St.

The candidates currently live in Ripon or attend a Ripon school.

They’re also required to do ticket sales along with being interviewed by the judges, take part in the recent speech contest, fashion show and writing an essay.

The queen coronation for the 60th annual Almond Blossom Festival is scheduled for Feb. 24.

The winner of the Miss Almond Blossom competition will serve as Miss Ripon.

Ripon High senior Naomi Wilbur is the current Miss Ripon.