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Entries sought for 61st Almond Blossom parade
PARADE1-3-1-09
Dimples the Clown, right, and the rest of the AAHME Shriner Clowns discuss a leak coming from their “clown mobile” in the Ripon Almond Blossom parade staging area. - photo by HIME ROMERO

The 61st annual Almond Blossom Festival Parade is Saturday, Feb. 25.

The deadline is approaching soon for entries for community groups and service organizations looking to be part of the parade and pageantry.

This year’s theme is “Celebrating the 100th Birthday of The Ripon Chamber of Commerce: Connecting Business and Community Since 1923.”

The ABF host Chamber will be doubling up as grand marshal.

President and CEO Kelly Donohue and her staff – included are membership director Catie Carrel, marketing manager Heather Cristalinas, and office manager Anna Newburg – will be featured on one of the floats along with the Almond Blossom Queen and her court.

This year’s queen hopefuls are Ava Brocchini, Kylee Fullmer, Madison Hendley, Anniston Holck, Ava Keast, Payton Miller-Kay, Anika Schoolland, Madeline Staley, Madeline Stewart, and Nayeli Zuniga.

All entries must be received no later than Monday, Feb. 20. General entry is $35, equestrian entry is $40, and political entry is $50.

Donohue indicated Wednesday that registration has remained steady. The ABF parade usually features about 100 entries, she said.

Donohue added that the equestrian entries will be judged by the California State Horsemen’s Association.

The parade will go from downtown Main Street to Vera Avenue, going southbound from there to Fourth Street and back towards Stockton Avenue. The judges stand will be located on Fourth Street near South Elm Avenue.

The Almond Blossom Festival will again include the carnival and vendor fair at Mistlin Sports Park along with the Fun Run, the Main Street parade, and the Diaper Derby.

Hours are Friday, Feb. 24, from 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The carnival is open Thursday, Feb, 23, from 5 to 10 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 24, from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 11 .m. to 5 p.m.

There is community stage entertainment on the Saturday and Sunday, a teen night with live music at the park on that Friday.

On the weekend local groups stage various breakfasts, dinners, dance, and even bake sales throughout the community.

 

For more information, log on to info@riponchamber.org or call 209.599.7519.