RIPON – The Almond Blossom season in Ripon is officially underway.

The seven Almond Queen candidates signed their contracts before beginning the two-month long process that will involve essay writing, public speaking, and runway modeling – all organized by Soroptimist International of Ripon.

The seven young ladies will be formally introduced at the Almond Blossom kick-off dinner at the Ripon Community Center on Jan. 15. Tickets are $30, and can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce office on Main Street, or any member of the Board of Directors.

Competing for the 2009 crown are: Camila Sweaney, Courtney Netjes, Camie Goforth, Alexsandra Peralta, Kimberly Stegner, Kate Ballatore, and Michelle Ambrose.

Each of the girls will present a speech at the kick-off dinner that focuses on the Grand Marshal of the Almond Blossom Parade – which in the past has included Tony Mistlin and local members of the military.

For more information about the kick-off dinner, or for a schedule of the Almond Blossom events, visit the Ripon Chamber of Commerce’s web site at www.riponchamber.org, or call 599-7519.