The Almond Blossom Festival vendor fair carnival at Mistlin Sports Park is right around the corner.

The carnival for the 60th annual event is scheduled Feb. 24 through Feb. 27, and will again include thrill rides, food trucks, pony rides, and a petting zoo.

Nearly 100 vendors offering food, arts & crafts, commercial products and more will be there during that weekend (Feb. 25 through Feb. 27).

It’s free admission with discounted unlimited carnival ride wristbands being available at the Ripon Chamber of Commerce office, 104 S. Stockton St., during business hours or click on to www.riponchamber.org/almond-blossom-festival.

Cost is $25.

The crowning event, however, is the queen coronation on Thursday, Feb. 24, at the Ripon Community Center.

Fifteen girls, all local high school juniors, headline this year’s event. Not only will the winner reign over the festival, but she’ll also serve as Miss Ripon for the following year.

Among the hopefuls are:

Shay Cunningham

She enjoys baking and raising livestock.

Cunningham, 17, is an avid member of the Ripon High Future Farmers of America chapter and is involved in the various activities.

When it comes to baking, she’s taken it one step further by opening her own small business, Shakey Bakes.

According to The Smoke Signal, RHS online publication, Cunningham started the business during quarantine amid the COVID-19 pandemic, baking cupcakes and other desserts to close friends and family.

“Baking is one of my passions – I love creating and making new baked goods,” she said in her Chamber of Commerce bio.

Hailey Knief

She, too, is a member of the RHS FFA.

In the past three years, Knief has raised two sheep – ‘Norman’ and ‘Jasper’ – and is currently tending to her first-ever Charolais Steer named ‘Charleston.’ She’ll be selling her livestock at San Joaquin County AgFest in June.

Knief is an active member of FFA. She served as the chapter Sentinel and was part of the poultry judging and vegetable crop judging team. This year, Knief is the chapter Secretary and participates in livestock judging.

She’s also involved in RHS girls varsity water polo, and is proud member of the undefeated in Valley Oak League team that advanced all the way to the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division III championship game.

Knief, in addition, enjoys working out with her CrossFit AOF family, hunting big game and waterfowl, and traveling with her family. She hopes to attend Cal Poly or UC Davis to study animal science (pre-veterinary program) and genetics (minor).

Katie Van Unen

She attends Ripon Christian High and is also involved in FFA.

Van Unen is currently the RC FFA treasurer as well as class officer and junior class representative. She’s raising pigs and is looking forward to showing them at the local fair.

Her other school activities include drama and taking part in different sports, including soccer and golf.

This past year, Van Unen served on the Love Ripon Committee.

“I helped with the coordinating of the event,” she added.

Van Unen is excited to be part of the Almond Blossom Festival Queen / Miss Ripon competition for “the memories that I will make through this experience,” she said.

Almond Blossom Festival events

·         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.