Emme Wilbur was crowned the 2025 Almond Blossom Festival Queen / Miss Ripon Thursday.
She has a member of her family who most likely understood the range of emotions of her coronation – her sister, Naomi.
Naomi Wilbur, who is currently a student at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo, was the 2021 Almond Blossom Festival Queen.
“She told me to be the best version of myself,” said Emme Wilbur, who edged out first runner-up Camden Downs for the title.
She’s the daughter of Ian and Laura Ochoa Wilbur, and is currently as junior class president at Ripon High.
This year’s Royal Court consisted of primarily of RHS juniors.
The 2024 ABF / Miss Ripon Kamalpreet Kaur turned over her reign to Wilbur during the special event held at the Ripon Community Center.
“It’s been a great year,” said Kaur, who took part in various ribbon-cutting ceremonies, coffee mixers, and other Ripon Chamber of Commerce events.
Sophia Hernandez was honored as Miss Congeniality as voted on by her peers.
According to Chamber President / CEO Kelly Donohue, the scoring for ABF Queen / Miss Ripon was conducted on the sales of tickets, interviews, the speech contest, fashion show, and essay writing, with each being worth 20 points (100 points was the max).
The judges were Lael Kelly of KHB Construction, Carol Solario of American Chevrolet, and Dezaree Seeds of Sierra Ocean Custom Wealth, along with one secret judge.
Wilbur will reign at this weekend’s festivities consisting of Saturday’s parade and the events at the Mistlin Sports Park. After that, she’ll serve as Miss Ripon for the next 12 months.
Rounding out the ABF royalty for the weekend are Samantha Lackey, Mckenzie Spear, Addyson Wilmshurst, Rhianna Villanueva, Sage Petersen, Hayden Harper, Jayden Quayle, Downs, and Hernandez.
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Parade on Saturday
Saturday’s parade promises to be among the highlights of the 63rd annual Almond Blossom Festival.
According to the Ripon Chamber of Commerce, the parade is also one of the biggest and most cherished events.
“We’re are hoping it will be bigger than ever,” said the Chamber via social media.
The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. with Cal Crush serving as this year’s grand marshal – in honor of the local business, this year’s theme is “Cal Crush: Celebrating 25 years of Crushing it.”
Decorated floats, unique vehicles, horses, musical acts, and the Royal Court featuring the newly-crowned ABF Queen / Miss Ripon will be part of the parade festivities.
The parade route will once again begin in downtown Main Street and South Stockton Avenue, going west and turn south on Vera Avenue, and along the home stretch west on Fourth Street just past the Ripon Community Center.
Prior to the parade, there will be road closures beginning at about 11:45 a.m. Once the streets are closed, traffic will not be allowed on the parade route.
“For your convenience, we suggest arriving early or using alternative routes,” posted the Ripon Police Department.
Police noted that West Main Street at Acacia Avenue along with West Fourth Street at South Acacia Avenue will stay open for north / south traffic prior to the start of the parade.
The intersection of Second Street and Vera Avenue will remain open for east / west traffic until the parade begins.
Carnival & vendor fair
today through Sunday
The carnival and vendor fair will once again take place at the Mistlin Sports Park, 1201 River Rd. Including will be family-friendly carnival rides along with an estimated 100 vendor booths offering a variety of foods, arts and crafts, and informational items.
Carnival hours will be from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursday ($2 ride night); 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday (teen night, performances of local bands on the main stage); 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Vendor hours will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Cost for parking is $5 (cash-only, with proceeds going to non-profit organizations) while there is no fee to enter the vendor area.
Tickets for carnival rides will be available at the carnival ticket booth for those who didn’t purchase the discounted presale unlimited ride wristbands.
Pets are allowed but must be on a leash.
No alcohol will be permitted in the park at any time.
For more information, call the Ripon Chamber of Commerce at 209.599.7519.
