Monday is the deadline for entries to the Almond Blossom Festival Parade.
That’s according to Ripon Chamber of Commerce CEO / Executive Director Kelly Donohue, who is gearing up for next week’s 60th annual event.
The parade will be held on Saturday, Feb. 26, beginning at 1 p.m.
The route kicks off at the corner of Stockton Avenue and Main Street, proceeding along the historic downtown and making a left on Vera Avenue coupled with another left on to Fourth Street.
The end of the parade – this year’s theme is “Plant it, nurture, and watch it grow,’ in honor of grand marshal, The Ripon Garden Club – will be at the Ripon Community Center in front of the judge’s station.
By then, the Almond Blossom Queen will be crowned and will be featured in the parade along with the royal court.
Fifteen girls are vying for the title, with the coronation taking place that Thursday (Feb. 24) at the Community Center.
Included are:
Ruth Visser
She’s a third-generation Ripon famer and pianist.
“I’ve learned to appreciate the intricacy, grandeur, and beauty of life from a young age,” Visser said in her bio provided by the Ripon Chamber of Commerce.
She enjoys the splendor of a freshly picked piece of fruit along with creating and sharing decadent desserts along with coupled with the family while listening to music.
Visser shared her “feeling of nostalgia” while riding through the budding almond orchard on an ATV, reminiscing about looking for jack buddies with her father.
She added: “I can’t get enough of the emotion that music evokes in me when I practice the piano in the waning hours of the day, playing the trumpet in front of the church or in a band, or performing on stage in the countless drama productions, concerts and singing groups I’ve been involved in.
Kacy Thurman
She, too, enjoys playing music.
Thurman, who attends Ripon Christian High, not only has a passion for playing the piano but also songwriting and debate.
She credits her religious beliefs for shaping her character as well as that of being a good student, daughter and friend.
“In the future, my dream is to go to Biola, pursue a degree in Psychology and eventually become a mental health counselor,” said Visser, who added that she’s extremely honored on her selection as an Almond Blossom princess.
Heaven Elisary
She’s excited about being part of the Almond Blossom Royal Court.
Elisary attends Ripon High, where she enjoys cheering on the Indians football team, working on her tennis skills and welding in the Ag department.
“I don’t mind getting my hands dirty but also getting dressed up,” she said,
For her 16th birthday, Elisary received a 1963 Chevy Nova convertible from her mom. “The car has not only been super fun to drive but has been a great way to meet new people,” she added.
Elisary enjoys going to car shows and hearing various stories on the classics.
After high school, she plans to attend college and learn the ropes of the family business.
Almond Blossom Festival schedule
· Feb. 24-27 – Vendor Fair and Carnival at Mistlin Sports Park.
· Feb. 24, Thursday – Bake Off, 7-10 a.m., Ripon Community Center; Lion’s Club Spaghetti Dinner (Ripon Community Center), 4:30-7 p.m.; Miss Almond Blossom Coronation (Ripon Community Center), 7 p.m.
· Feb. 25, Friday – Community Stage live music “Teen Night” featuring bands from GK Music School, 5-8 p.m.; Quarterback Club Golf Tournament at La Contenta Golf Club, Valley Springs.
· Feb. 26, Saturday – Ripon Grange Pancake Breakfast, Ripon Grange Hall, 6-10 a.m.; Almond Blossom Festival Fun Run, featuring 8K or 1-mile races, Mavis Stouffer Park (shirt, medal and goodie bag for participants), 8:30 a.m. (one mile), 9 a.m. (8K); Immanuel CRC Bake Sale (9 a.m.-2 p.m.) and Lunch (11 a.m.-2 p.m.); Diaper Derby, Ripon High North Gym, 10 a.m.; Community Stage Live Music (Mistlin Sports Park), noon-8 p.m.; Almond Blossom Festival Parade at 1 p.m. (downtown Ripon, starting at Stockton Avenue); Quarterback Club Brats and Drinks, Ripon Community Center, 1 p.m.-7 p.m.
Information: www.riponchamber.org.
