David and Amber Nydam brought their business to this year’s Almond Blossom Festival vendor booths.

They’ve had ‘Nailed It by Nydam’ since 2016 but it wasn’t until nearly a year ago that they decided make it a full-time business.

During the opening day Friday for vendors – nearly 100 in all, according to Ripon Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kelly Donohue – they had folks stopping in to look or purchase from their inventory consisting of custom-made cutting boards, charcuterie boards, cheese boards, and wooden coasters.

Some inquired about the custom tables or kitchen tables, of which two were on display.

“We’ve been prepping for (the Almond Blossom Festival vendor booth) for month,” said Amber Nydam.

The custom handcrafted designs of ‘Nailed It by Nydam’ has been featured online and social media. In March 2021, David Nydam decided to focus on the family business by setting aside his full-time job. Besides creating custom wood tables, ‘Nailed It by Nydam’ also does barn doors, mantles and more.

The Almond Blossom Festival vendor booths at Mistlin Sports Park is open today from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

With so much to see, sample and even taste, Marisela Muniz and Peggy Sue Felt decided to check out the festival vendor booths via roller skate. They belong to Modesto Skates, a roller skating groups that meets every Sunday at Johansen High.

“We’ve been to the Almond Blossom Festival a few times but never on skates,” said Felt, who lives in Riverbank.

Muniz, who is from Manteca, would’ve preferred a smoother surface rather than the concrete pavers of the parking lot at Mistlin Sports Park.

Never the less, they were thrilled to be outside amid the cool mid-60s temperatures.

Muniz and Felt skated past the variety of food, craft and service booths. Included are Fagundes Street BBQ, Mekeni’s Kitchen, Pennsylvania Dutch Funnel Cakes, Kettle Corn, Hungry Soul, The Pilipino Kitchen, Taco Fiesta, Holy Donuts, Churro Delight, Nana Bear’s Mini Donuts, and Drewski’s Famous Grilled Cheese & More.

Other booths featured are Rodin Farms, the Jerky Hut, Hummus Heaven, Bun Bao, Hillbilly Flannel, Square Bake Shop, Scentsby and Sassy Girls Creation, to name a few.

Next to the vendor booths is the Almond Blossom Festival carnival featuring thrill rides by Classic Amusement.

“They’re offering more rides than the previous years,” Donohue said.

The carnival rides will be in operation from noon to 10 p.m. today, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The Almond Blossom Parade is today at 1 p.m.

 It will start at the corner of Main Street and Stockton Avenue along historic downtown, proceeding down West Main Street and turning left onto Vera Avenue.

Featured will be the Almond Blossom queen and her court along with the grand marshal – the Ripon Garden Club.

From there, the parade continues south on Vera while turning left onto Fourth Street.

At the end of that is the judges’ station in front of the Ripon Community Center, 334 Fourth St.

    The schedule of events include:

·         Toiay – 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.; Festival vendor booths (Mistlin Sports Park), 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; ABF carnival (Mistlin Sports Park), noon-10 p.m.; Community Stage Live Music (Mistlin Sports Park), noon-8 p.m.; Quarterback Club Brats and Drinks, Ripon Community Center, 1 p.m.-7 p.m.

·         Sunday – Festival vendor booths (Mistlin Sports Park), 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; ABF carnival (Mistlin Sports Park), noon-5 p.m.

Information: www.riponchamber.org