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ALMONDS & FASHION
Ripon chamber show a big success
ALMOND FASHION5-2-8-13-top
Current Miss Ripon Ashley Bloemhof poses with Paige Eddy, 8, who said she hopes one day to be Miss Ripon during Thursdays Ripon Chamber of Commerce Almond Blossom Fashion Show. - photo by HIME ROMERO
Denim on denim is the style for this year.So when it came to sporting that casual look, Andrew Lee, executive director of Bethany Homes, appeared quite comfortable in the all-denim pants and shirt look while on the runway at the 51st annual Almond Blossom Fashion Show on Thursday.He’s also a past president of the Ripon Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the event held in the Ripon High Multi-Purpose Room.This year’s theme is “Blossoming with Age,” honoring Bethany Homes, celebrating 50 years, as grand marshal.Over 400 residents currently enjoy retirement living there.But the evening belonged to the Almond Blossom Festival queen candidates: Graelyn Pope, Michaela Ratto, Alyssa Drennan, Morgan Scott, Anna Fassler, and Lauren Van Till.Reigning queen Ashley Bloemhof, who is a senior at Ripon Christian, was also on hand.For the six candidates, the fashion show was one of five required areas necessary in the quest to become queen. According to program commentator Shirley Jorgensen, they already completed the personal interview, public interview, and the written essay. Some were still in the process of selling the Chamber’s raffle tickets.Serving as judges were Geri Lewis of the Howard Training Center; Joann Beattie of Agape Villages Foster Family Agency; and Tony Medina of Alfred Matthews.